THE USE OF THE MARIAN ICON IN VENICE: RELIGION AND POLITICS MERGE IN THE CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE

The Virgin Mary was central to the success of Venice from the beginning of the Republic. Venice was exposed to the Byzantine idea that the union of the spiritual and material could be achieved in the form of an icon. The church quickly realized the value of visual images in their apostolic mission and began the extensive use of icons, as a non-verbal way to strengthen their flock and attempt to convert non-believers. The Venetian authorities also utilized the icon of the Virgin Mary for promotion of the Venetian Republic, the harbor of Venice inviolate like the Virgin's womb.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Curry, Michael Kendell

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/33507

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/33507