Coronation of the Virgin 1447

Filippo Lippi made this large altarpiece of the Coronation of the Virgin, here in Florence, using tempera on wood. It's an artwork deeply rooted in religious tradition, yet it invites us to think about the roles and representations of women in Renaissance society. The Virgin Mary kneels before God, assuming a posture of humility and piety. However, as she is crowned Queen of Heaven, she also gains power. Around them are saints, angels, and members of the commissioning family, the human and the divine intimately linked. What does it mean to crown a woman in a patriarchal society? How might Mary’s coronation challenge or reinforce prevailing gender norms? By positioning a woman at the apex of the celestial hierarchy, Lippi offers a glimpse into the complexities of female authority and agency. This piece asks us to ponder the negotiations between earthly constraints and the aspirations of women, who are forever caught between the sacred and the secular.