The Virgin of the Navigators facts for kids
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The Virgin of the Navigators (Spanish: La Virgen de los Navegantes) is a famous painting by the Spanish artist Alejo Fernández. It was made between 1531 and 1536. This artwork was the main part of an altarpiece for a special chapel. This chapel was inside the Casa de Contratación in Alcázar of Seville, Seville, Spain.
The painting shows the Virgin Mary protecting people under her large cloak. This style of painting is called "Virgin of Mercy." It was a common way to show Mary protecting her followers. In these paintings, the Virgin Mary is always the biggest figure. She stands tall above everyone she is protecting.
The officials at the Casa de Contratación asked for this painting. They wanted it for their Hall of Audiences. This room also served as a chapel for prayers.
The Story Behind the Painting
By the time of the Age of Exploration, people in Europe deeply respected the Virgin Mary. Many Catholics saw her as a symbol of motherhood. She also represented goodness, kindness, and mercy. These feelings were often shown in art from that time.
Sailors, especially from Portugal, carried these beliefs with them. They prayed to the Virgin Mary for safe journeys home. They even built churches dedicated to Our Lady of Navigators in new lands.
What the Painting Shows
In The Virgin of the Navigators, Mary is shown spreading her cloak. She is protecting the Spanish people. It looks like she is standing over the oceans, connecting different lands. Or, she might be hovering over a harbor. This would protect ships, their goods, and their crews. These ships were about to make the dangerous Atlantic journey.
Important historical figures are shown in the painting. These include Ferdinand II of Aragon and Emperor Charles V. They are wearing red cloaks. Also kneeling are Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, and one of the Pinzón Brothers. They appear to be floating on clouds above the water.
Behind these European figures, there are also indigenous peoples of the Americas. These are people who lived in the Americas before the Europeans arrived. The painting suggests they were welcomed into the Christian faith. This artwork shows the Spanish idea that their empire was chosen to spread Christianity.
On the sides of the Virgin Mary, there are other panels. These show different saints. They include St. Sebastian, St. James the Great, St. Elmo, and St. John the Evangelist. Experts believe these side panels were painted by someone else. It might have been another artist or someone from Alejo Fernández's workshop.
See also
- Alcázar of Seville
- Casa de Contratación
- Consecration and entrustment to Mary
- Sculptural depictions of Columbus
