The Many Faces of the Madonna

Feb. 11 – Nov. 1, 2019

The Marian Library and the gallery are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. See our online calendar for special openings and closings. 

About the Exhibit

Selected from the over 120 exhibits that have been displayed in the Marian Library Gallery, the Marian art in this retrospective points to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ, as a highly visible figure of Christianity and its cultural richness. The artifacts on display are a reminder of both the intent and the realization of the Marian Library’s involvement with the contemporary art of the Madonna. They are witness to the originality of artistic exploration and representation of Mary’s importance for the loving dedication of many.

Some of the artifacts on canvas, in bronze, and on stone reflect important events of the lives of Jesus and Mary. They attest to the historical grounding of the Christian message. Sampling the art of old and new masters, the exhibit pays tribute to changing styles and religious sensitivity; in particular, it draws attention to the genius of inculturation in religious conviction and imagery. Riveted to local conditions and means, this retrospective exhibit comments on medium and matter in the representation of the Incarnation. Most important, following Marian history from Icon to shrine, this exhibit will take the visitor to the heart of Marian art—that is, the way of beauty that leads to the heart of Mary.

In a more general way, the exhibit reconfirms the very objectives of the Marian Library with regard to art:

• To complement scriptural and doctrinal studies about the Mother of God, the Theotokos.
• To document and comment on contemporary Marian art.
• To encourage, inspire, commission, and critically accompany the development of contemporary Marian art.