Madonna della Vallicella 1608

Peter Paul Reubens painted ‘Madonna della Vallicella’ with oil on slate, and the image pulses with a Baroque dynamism, swirling with cherubs and devotees. The Madonna and Child, framed and floating, are central; a symbol of divine motherhood and the promise of salvation, deeply rooted in Christian iconography. This motif of the Madonna is not unique; echoes resonate with ancient depictions of mother goddesses, like Isis and Horus, where the nurturing embrace signifies life and renewal. Here, the cherubs holding the frame introduce an element of dynamism, reminiscent of ancient Roman putti, which symbolized love and protection. Note the upturned gazes of the figures below, they express a profound sense of awe and devotion. This upward gaze, a visual echo of earlier Byzantine art, directs our focus, creating a connection between the earthly and divine. The cherubs’ plumpness, a celebration of life's abundance, touches the viewer's subconscious desire for plenty. Through the currents of time, the sacredness of the mother and child endures. The image resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings; but its core remains a testament to the enduring power of our collective memories.