Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Click to view high resolution image Title: Madonna del Parto Creator: Piero della Francesca, painter Description: The pregnant Madonna was a protector of pregnant women and a popular figure in fourteenth-century Italy. Here the crowned Virgin’s stomach bursts the seam of her gown. She stands inside of a tent embroidered with pomegranates (symbols of immortality and purity) and flanked by angels who open the curtains to the viewer. The tent is a type for the Tabernacle, and the Virgin is a type for the Ark of the Covenant. Whereas the Old Testament Ark contained the Tablets of the Law, the Virgin contains the new covenant—Christ, the Word of God. The parting tent flaps recall the tearing of the Temple veil. The top of the image has been destroyed. Source: Wikimedia Commons Rights: Public domain Subject (See Also): Angels Mary, Virgin, Saint Pregnancy Tents Geographic Area: Italy Century: 15 Date: ca. 1467 Related Work: Current Location: Monterchi, Museo della Madonna del Parto Original Location: Monterchi, Museo della Madonna del Parto Artistic Type (Category): Digital images; Paintings Artistic Type (Material/Technique): Frescoes (paintings) Donor: Height/Width/Length(cm): // Inscription: Related Resources:

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