Coronation of the Candle 

Carlo Crivelli, an artist working in the 15th century, crafted this unique painting titled "Coronation of the Candle." Crivelli lived in a society steeped in religious tradition, but as an artist he was set apart. It is fascinating to consider the identity of Mary in this piece. She is represented with a distinct combination of regal authority and maternal tenderness. Crowned and enthroned, she embodies divine status, yet she holds the Christ child with an intimate, gentle touch. Her gaze is meditative, suggesting a deep understanding of her son's destiny and her own role within it. The painting is richly embellished with symbolic objects. Fruits signify abundance and divine favor, while the candle implies enlightenment. These elements enrich the narrative and offer multiple layers of interpretation. Crivelli seems to be inviting the viewer to experience the divine through a lens of human emotion and earthly beauty.