Maria auf Wolken mit dem Heiligen Christophorus und einer Heiligen 

This is Gaspare Diziani's sketch of Maria auf Wolken mit dem Heiligen Christophorus und einer Heiligen, made sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. Diziani was working in Venice during the height of the Rococo movement, a period characterized by its ornate and theatrical aesthetic. Here, he renders the Virgin Mary floating on clouds, above Saint Christopher and another saint. It embodies the era’s penchant for drama and devotion, and a visual culture deeply embedded in religious storytelling. Consider the figure of Saint Christopher, often seen as a symbol of protection. He carries the Christ Child across a body of water. This narrative reflects a longing for safety and guidance, especially poignant given the social and political upheavals of the time. The Virgin Mary extends her arms in a gesture of blessing, a conventional image of feminine divinity. What alternative narratives can we find in this representation? Perhaps the way in which Diziani captures her compassionate gaze, inviting viewers to seek solace in her maternal presence. Diziani’s sketch not only reflects the religious fervor of his time but also invites a personal reflection on faith, protection, and the emotional comfort found in religious icons.