Coronation of Mary (detail) 1515

Ambrogio Bergognone painted this detail of ‘Coronation of Mary’ in Italy, most likely during the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century. At the time, the Church’s power was at its peak. The artwork conveys the power of the Church through its depiction of a sacred scene: the Virgin Mary being crowned as Queen of Heaven. This theme was particularly relevant during the Renaissance, a period marked by renewed interest in classical antiquity. The visual codes, such as the use of classical drapery, create meaning through cultural references and historical associations. The social conditions that shaped artistic production must be considered. The Church was a major patron of the arts, commissioning works to decorate its churches and promote its teachings. To fully understand this artwork, we need to consider the institutional histories of the Church. By researching the social and political context, and reflecting on the meaning of art as something contingent on this context, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the power and significance of Bergognone’s work.