Signs and Symbols
'Madonna and Child with Saints Peter Paul and the donor' (1505) by G Bellini.
 Click here for the interactive version! This was painted as an altarpiece when Bellini was about 70years old. During this time he was one of the most popular artists in Venice. The painting shows the Holy family surrounded by the 3 saints. Bellini makes the saints appear very human, and using the light, makes them almost seem 3D. |
Answers
- What does the landscape symbolise in this painting?
a) The heavens
The natural background contrasts with the marble floor giving a strange heavenly feel. Mountains at this time were seen as mysterious, inhospitable places, this again make the landscape feel like no where on earth.
- What does the throne symbolise here?
b) Mary as the Queen of heaven
Here, Mary is represented as 'Mother Worthy of Love', as she holds the 'Divine child', and is seated on a throne. The throne is a reference to her as 'Queen of Heaven'.
- There is alot of blue in the painting, what does this represent?
c) Truth and hope
Blue is a colour used to represent heaven and heavenly love and also truth. Blue sky appears after clouds move away, unveiling truth, therefore providing a symbol of hope.
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