3-098-294 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The Immaculate Conception, 1650. The Immaculate Conception is the doctrine that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. Here she is bathed in light, evoking the idea of Divine Wisdom encompassing her. Angels appear on either side of Mary and bear vegetal attributes: an iris, a Madonna lily, a palm frond, and an olive branch - common Marian symbols alluding to concepts such as purity, peace, and glory. In contrast the infernal dragon writhes beneath her. At bottom left is the Roman bridge of Córdoba, which was defended by the Calahorra Tower and was one of the city's main topographical landmarks.