ART HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
The symbolism of the pomegranate fruit in connection with Christianity is portrayed by Sandro Boticelli's 1487 painting Madonna of the Pomegranate (Figure 1). This visual analysis aims to prove how the incorporation of pomegranate symbolism in Christian artwork is used to reveal themes behind figures in Christian history. More specifically, the pomegranate is used in this painting to symbolize the many virtues held by the Virgin Mary in Christian history and beliefs.
This is a painting made from tempera, a "fast-drying painting medium made from egg yolk" (Renaissance Connection, 2000). Tempera was a primary method of painting during the early Renaissance period where egg yolk was used as a "binding agent to carefully mix in colored pigments" from minerals and other elements up to 1500 when it was replaced by the more "flexible method of oil painting" (Renaissance Connection, 2000). Nonetheless, the Renaissance was a significant time for art where the explosion of new ideas had given a "re-birth to ancient styles, classical learning and literature" while a significant theme found in Renaissance art is its "symbolic and suggestive use of food motifs" (Ross, 2015).
The style of Madonna of the Pomegranate (Figure 1) is realistic, which is a common style used in Renaissance paintings. The viewer's eyes are drawn to Mary, Jesus, and the pomegranate as the main focus of the picture as emphasized by the use of vertical lines to portray a shining heavenly light. The circular format of this painting also helps to focus the attention on these characters. Overall the painting is symmetrical with an even number of angels surrounding either side of Mary and Jesus. The colors used in the painting have a cool tone but include a variety of rich colors. The main subjects are also enhanced by the use of brighter colors on Mary and Jesus' skin tones and clothing while the surrounding angels appear slightly darker to be portrayed as in the background.
Boticelli often painted many images that include the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a child. It is easy to identify these specific figures as Boticelli painted with extreme realism and detail. In this particular painting, however, what differentiates it from his other paintings is the pomegranate fruit featured in the center of the painting, held in Mary's hand. It is also listed within the title of the artwork: Madonna of the Pomegranate. The inclusion of the pomegranate in the title indicates its significance as a prime feature in the content of the painting. In comparison, another Boticelli painting featuring Mary and Jesus is his 1483 painting Madonna of the Book (Figure 2) where as signified by the title, the book is the main feature along with Mary and Jesus. It is also intriguing how it is written as Madonna of the Pomegranate versus Madonna and the Pomegranate, signifying that there is a unique connection linking Mary with this fruit. The angel in the front left is holding lilies and roses, two flowers that symbolize "the virginity, purity, and participation in the Holy Trinity" by the Virgin Mary (Catholic Tradition, 2014). That same angel is also wearing sashes with the words "AVE GRAZIA PLENA which translates to Hail [Mary] full of grace" – the prayer that forms the basis of the rosary, popular in the Roman Catholic religion (History Link 101, 2014). It is also the same greeting the angel Gabriel gave to the Virgin Mary when he first told her that she is to bear a child that will be Jesus, the Son of God.
Boticelli often painted many images that include the Virgin Mary and Jesus as a child. It is easy to identify these specific figures as Boticelli painted with extreme realism and detail. In this particular painting, however, what differentiates it from his other paintings is the pomegranate fruit featured in the center of the painting, held in Mary's hand. It is also listed within the title of the artwork: Madonna of the Pomegranate. The inclusion of the pomegranate in the title indicates its significance as a prime feature in the content of the painting. In comparison, another Boticelli painting featuring Mary and Jesus is his 1483 painting Madonna of the Book (Figure 2) where as signified by the title, the book is the main feature along with Mary and Jesus. It is also intriguing how it is written as Madonna of the Pomegranate versus Madonna and the Pomegranate, signifying that there is a unique connection linking Mary with this fruit. The angel in the front left is holding lilies and roses, two flowers that symbolize "the virginity, purity, and participation in the Holy Trinity" by the Virgin Mary (Catholic Tradition, 2014). That same angel is also wearing sashes with the words "AVE GRAZIA PLENA which translates to Hail [Mary] full of grace" – the prayer that forms the basis of the rosary, popular in the Roman Catholic religion (History Link 101, 2014). It is also the same greeting the angel Gabriel gave to the Virgin Mary when he first told her that she is to bear a child that will be Jesus, the Son of God.
Pomegranates hold multiple symbolic meanings when in the context of religious themed artwork such as symbolizing "the many virtues of Virgin Mary, the church enclosing its followers, the blood and Resurrection of Christ, and also as an ancient fertility symbol" (Ross, 2015). With this in mind, it is possible that the inclusion of this pomegranate in the painting is to emphasize the Virgin Mary specifically. While Jesus is an extremely significant character in the Christian religion, Mary plays an equally important role as the mother of Jesus. Especially during a child's infancy, mothers play a vital role in providing both a strong emotional and physical foundation that is supportive of the child's overall growth and development. This belief of the significance of mother-child relationship is further supported by Smith and Ellwood's 2009 article, "Feeding Patterns and Emotional Care in Breastfed Infants" as they concluded how "maternal contact with the infant in the early postnatal period provides the opportunity for the infant to shape maternal behavior and interactions with the mother, with implications for developmental outcomes" (p. 231). The initial establishment of trust between the mother and child is essential in building a strong foundation for their relationship throughout the lifespan. As the child grows, the mother continues to offer support as she provide her children with adequate nourishment for their growing bodies, protection within a safe shelter, and teaching regarding the necessary skills, rules, and values that would allow them to use their strengths and abilities for the greater good in the world. Because Mary faithfully accepted this special role as the mother to birth and raise the Son of God, she shows that she holds many honorable virtues such as courage, love and utmost faith as she accepted this tremendous feat from God.