The Marriage of the Virgin (detail) Fresco c.1525 by Luini, Bernardino (c.1480-1532)
This large and vibrant wall painting can be found in the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles at Saronno in northern Italy. The artist, Bernardino Luini, was an acclaimed master of the Lombard school of painting, which was based on the style of Leonardo da Vinci during the High Renaissance. The frescoes in Saranno, painted towards 1525, represent the life of the Virgin Mary, to which this depiction of her “Marriage” belongs. The four canonical Gospels make no mention of the espousal of the Virgin. However the narrative is introduced in early apocryphal writing on the life of Mary, and later amplified in the popular thirteenth century text, The Golden Legend. The latter provided artists with a rich imaginative source for narrative painting throughout the Renaissance period. The fresco focuses on the moment of espousal between the Virgin Mary and Joseph, when the Jewish high priest of the temple presents Mary’s hand to receive the ring. The group of young men to the left of the picture enact the breaking of their wooden rods, in anger at not winning the hand of Mary. Joseph’s rod, instead, has burst into flower. According to the Legend, Joseph … brought forth his rod, and anon it flowered … so that it was clearly the advice of every man that he should have the virgin. Bernardino’s figures express grace and refinement; and along with the rich palette of blues, greens, ochres, reds and alchemic purples – a serene and harmonious sense of beauty.
Art Guide Resource
Art Guide gives an insightful explanation of each painting featured in the 2021 Columban Art Calendar. The 2021 Columban Art Calendar Art Guide has been compiled by Dr Ursula Betka, Art Historian, Teacher and Iconographer and narrated by Robyn Moore (Voice Artist and Professional Speaker) and recorded by George Goerss at Sonic Solutions. Artworks ©Bridgeman Images.
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