The Coronation of the Virgin 

The Limbourg brothers created this illumination on vellum in the early 15th century. "The Coronation of the Virgin" encapsulates the hierarchical, patriarchal structure of the medieval church. Mary kneels before God, embodying humility and submission, while being crowned as Queen of Heaven. Her coronation, performed by a male God, reinforces a gendered power dynamic where female authority is derived from male figures. Around them, a celestial court of angels and saints bears witness to this divine ceremony. The use of gold leaf underscores the heavenly nature of the event, but also the earthly wealth of the patron who commissioned the work. Within this traditional representation, there is a softening of the divine. Mary's posture evokes vulnerability, inviting empathy. The artists capture the emotional gravity of the moment, inviting viewers to reflect on the intertwined themes of power, gender, and faith.