National Museum of Women in the Arts explores images of Virgin Mary by Renaissance and Baroque artists

ARTDAILY

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, Madonna of the Goldfinch, ca. 1767–70. Oil on canvas, 24 13/16 × 19 13/16 in.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Samuel H. Kress Collection; inv. 1943.4.40.

WASHINGTON, DC---Appearing throughout the entire world, her image is immediately recognizable. In the history of Western art, she was one of the most popular subjects for centuries. On view Dec. 5, 2014–April 12, 2015, "Picturing Mary: Woman, Mother, Idea," is a landmark exhibition at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, bringing together masterworks from major museums, churches and private collections in Europe and the United States. Iconic and devotional, but also laden with social and political meaning, the image of the Virgin Mary has influenced Western sensibility since the sixth century. [link]