The Madonna and Child in a Rosary c. 1490

This woodcut print presents the Madonna and Child, encircled by a rosary, a potent symbol of faith. The Virgin stands upon a crescent moon, radiating light, embodying purity and divine grace. This imagery, deeply rooted in Christian iconography, draws on ancient symbols of the moon goddess and solar deities. Consider how the crescent moon, once associated with lunar goddesses, is reinterpreted here as a pedestal for Mary, signifying her triumph over paganism. Similarly, the halo of light recalls sun gods, now signifying the divine radiance of Christ. Such visual adaptations reveal the persistent human impulse to imbue powerful symbols with new meanings. The image also evokes a sense of maternal warmth and spiritual devotion, engaging us on a deeply emotional level, as Mary gazes out to us, holding her child. We see how these motifs have been inherited, transformed, and continue to resonate in our collective psyche. The cyclical nature of symbols like these, their endless return and reinvention across cultures, show the power of images to connect us to both our past and present.