Jomfru Maria med Jesusbarnet, siddende på skyer omgivet af engle 1570 - 1644

Claudio Ridolfi made this drawing of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus sitting on clouds surrounded by angels with pen and brown ink. It encapsulates the religious fervour of its time. Created in Italy during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, this image reflects the powerful influence of the Catholic Church. The Church was not only a religious institution but also a major patron of the arts. Artists like Ridolfi were employed to create images that reinforced religious doctrine and inspired faith. The visual codes here – Mary's serene expression, the halo, the cherubic angels – all served to communicate specific theological ideas. The depiction of a city skyline below suggests a protective blessing upon the land. Understanding this work requires knowledge of the Counter-Reformation, the artistic conventions of the period, and the role of religious imagery in society. By examining historical documents, theological texts, and artistic treatises, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, religion, and power in Ridolfi's Italy.