Standbeeld van Madonna met kind door Nino Pisano in het S. Maria della Spina te Pisa, Italië 1860 - 1881

This is Giacomo Brogi's photograph of Nino Pisano's sculpture, Madonna and Child, taken at S. Maria della Spina in Pisa. Brogi made the photograph sometime in the 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in Italian national identity. Looking at this image through the lens of identity, we see how religious and cultural symbols are used to construct and reinforce societal norms. The Madonna, or Virgin Mary, is a central figure in Catholicism and a symbol of purity, motherhood, and piety. Pisano’s sculpture presents a traditional representation of the Madonna, which Brogi captures. Yet in doing so, what narratives are being developed or maintained? It is an idealized representation of femininity and motherhood that has historically shaped the roles and expectations of women in society. The photograph creates an emotional and personal connection to these societal issues, inviting us to reflect on their impact.