The Virgin and Child Enthroned, Saint Jerome at lower right, Saint Francis at lower left 1720 - 1749

Anton Maria Zanetti the Elder created this print, "The Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints," capturing a scene laden with potent symbols. The Virgin Mary, with the Christ Child, sits regally beneath a canopy, while Saint Jerome and Saint Francis flank her. Note how Zanetti places skulls at the base of the Virgin’s throne. This memento mori is a stark reminder of mortality, juxtaposed with the promise of salvation embodied by the Virgin and Child. Skulls appear in ancient Roman art, often as symbols of triumph over death. Yet, the skull also evokes Christian notions of repentance. Consider how this symbol echoes through time. In ancient Roman triumphs, a skull symbolized victory over death, while in Christian contexts, it morphed into a symbol of repentance and the transience of earthly life. These symbols are never truly still; they shift, adapt, and resurface, carrying layers of history and memory. The emotional power of such images lies in their ability to tap into our deepest subconscious understanding of life, death, and renewal, engaging us in a timeless dialogue.