I take the title of this blog entry from Edward Muir's seminal article on the subject, "The Virgin on the Street Corner: The Place of the Sacred in Italian Cities." I hardly will do justice here to Muir's rich interpretation of these images in urban life. I merely nod to his work through my title, and hope to provide a visual record of the ubiquitous presence of these ladies, even in today's urban fabric.
Interpretations of the functions of these icons are varied--primarily because they serve- and served- multiple functions. Sometimes these images were erected in places where authorities hoped to encourage more pious modes of behaviour (i.e. to prevent men from peeing in certain dark, covered areas, or worse, protecting against street crimes such as rape etc...) while at other times, they marked a miracle or important event that took place in the space.
Whatever their purpose, it is undeniable that they provide a beautiful embellishment to the urban fabric of any city, and for me, they always force me to pause & take a moment to look at the image.
I think you'll see why once you take a look:
{this one was done in some sort of chalk or white wash} |
{tiled version of St. Anne &Virgin, as is typical of wall decoration in Capri} |
{Not a V&Child, maybe a St. Dominic or St. Francis? in Capri} |
{and, as in the case of many, this painting in Florence became a very large cult site, resulting in a building being built in its honour} |
{Here we have one right outside a restaurant} |
{and this Annunciation scene, above a shop} |
ciao!
L
Me likey. {not the doggie doo portion though}
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