Untitled #225 1990

Cindy Sherman created this photograph, Untitled #225, with the gaze of the old masters in mind. The figure evokes the Madonna, her exposed breast a clear reference to the maternal iconography of the Virgin breastfeeding. This motif of the Madonna Lactans has deep roots, symbolizing nourishment and the nurturing bond between mother and child. Yet, consider how this image twists that tradition. Here, the wheat stalks behind the subject evoke a halo, which is commonly used to denote sainthood and divinity. We have seen this halo in many forms, such as rays of light or a golden circle. However, this photograph reframes the symbolism of this object, as the wheat stalks appear artificial, almost theatrical. The image is a blend of reverence and irony, inviting us to delve into the complex layers of cultural memory, and the cyclical nature of images that constantly resurface, evolve, and are reinterpreted across time.