Christ placing crown on Mary in the apse mosaic of St. Maria Maggiore
Title of Art: Coronation of the Virgin
Artist: Jacopo Torriti
Art Form: Mosaic
Date of Composition: 1295
Event: Coronation of Mary
Subjects: Mary, Mother of God
Ritual Pose/Object: enthroned pose, crown
Exhibit Institution: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, apse (Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major)
Exhibit Location: Rome, Italy
VM Image #: 0068
Photographer: Shala Graham
Date of Photograph: December 31, 2022
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This glorious depiction of the coronation of Mary by Jesus Christ is centered in the massive apse in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. The pair are dressed in gold, sitting upon a throne in the heavenlies (stars, sun, and moon against dark blue background). Jesus places crown upon Mary; in his left hand a book. Mary's hands are raised in prayer. Throngs of angels on either side with Peter, Paul, and Francis on the left, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist, and Anthony on the right.
As Christ crowns the Virgin Mary, onlookers are reminded of her special place in the Gospel narrative. Surrounding the two are eight-pointed stars, representative of eternal life. Written in Christ's book is VENI ELECTA MEA ET PONAM [IN] TE THRONUM MEUM, "Come my chosen one and I shall place thee [on] my throne." Though Mary is the mother of God, she is also the daughter of God, shown in her posture as she praises Christ.