The Virgin Mary

This talk launches our Art in Advent Adult Education series with an exploration of the Virgin Mary through the lens of art history. Beginning with the brief biblical account, we trace how centuries of artists, theologians, and storytellers sought to understand Mary’s identity, vocation, and holiness through painting, legend, and devotion.

Drawing on Renaissance masterpieces and early Christian sources, this session examines how images of Mary’s life, family, and childhood shaped Christian imagination and theological reflection as the Church prepared for Christmas. Together, we consider why Mary mattered so deeply to early believers and how art helped make the mystery of the Incarnation visible.