Fontana's Consecration to the Virgin

LAVINIA FONTANA'S CONSECRATION TO THE VIRGIN (1599)

Represents levels of depth in numerous ways. Due to the way this piece is composed your eye goes directly to the virgin Mary holding Jesus at the top center of the piece. There is unique lighting coming from behind the figure, illuminating her presence. Surrounding her are levels of clouds that look as though their depth is vast. The figures, at the top, on the outside of the virgin Mary seem to become part of the puffy clouds. There is a tilted cross. Naked Cherub-like figures with wings are a part of the 'heavens' of the piece. At the highest peaks of the painting in the farthest corners there are musicians draped in cloth, playing over the virgin. This is just the top third of the piece. There are so many things going on in this piece and so much depth and dimension that highlight a glorified scene. I wonder what the authors intentions for all the activity in this piece were? When our eyes travel to the second third of this piece we meet two women bearing items, draped and covered fully in cloth. I think the attire is an important distinction between individuals mean, intentions and personality. I think it is also important to look at the representation of color not only in the layers of the painting but also in the attire of the individuals. As we move from the middle of the piece toward the bottom, the colors seem to fade from pastels and figures shining with light into dark tinted figures where the faces and aspects of their attire are the only places the light shines.

If we talk about the individuals themselves we see more worldly looking people dressed in overindulgent garb. There is a priest draped in the finest robes with a tall towering headdress. There is a women dressed in warrior gear holding a key. There are pairs of children looking to their adult figures, receiving gifts. We see bold exchanges of materials and facial expressions along with the bold, deep, and dark colors. As we move up to the second level the attire and bodily expressions become more soft, more humble. The individuals begin to look up at the Virgin. However, if you look out to the edges in the middle you see dark silhouettes. You feel a little chill of despair on the left side where there is a set of black things trying to reach the heavens. It's unlike the rest of the painting. In the last frame, at the top of the page, the figures are saint-like, distant, and untouchable. They are smooth, angelic and blend in to the atmosphere they are positioned in.

All of these aspects work together to create a majestic but also omnipresent scene. It is a unique experience to behold and there is some beautiful intricate detail

in each layer of depth and color.