From 31 May, Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on 7 October, memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary, an exhibition of paintings of “Crowned Madonnas” of various ages and origins has been displayed in the Treasury Museum of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
These are faithful pictorial reproductions of Marian images (statues, reliefs, mosaics, wall and canvas paintings), which were granted the privilege of a solemn coronation by the Chapter of Saint Peter’s, according to established procedures and a ceremonial that remained in place for almost four centuries. In this first Vatican exhibition, curated by Pietro Zander, fifteen oil paintings on canvas from fifteen different dioceses in Italy are presented. Subsequent exhibitions will be followed by a rotation with other paintings from other dioceses in Italy, Europe and the world.
During the time of the exhibition, which recounts the profound devotion of these communities to the Mother of the Lord, Saint Peter's Basilica will welcome visits and initiatives from the dioceses of origin of the paintings, facilitating celebrations and special prayer and cultural gatherings.