Liturgical & Symbolic Symbols in Contra Reformation Paintings White: Color of joy. Often depicted on Mary and Saints, who were not martyrs. Red: Color of fire and charitas (unselfish love), which leads man to bear witness to Christ, by shedding his own blood. Often used in paintings for holy martyrs. Blue: Color of Heaven. Peace. Heavenly. Without sin. Often used for the Madonna (Mary) draperies. Monstrance: Gold smith art. First used in 14th C. to display the Eucharist wafer ('host") to the faithful. The tower shape was popular in the 14th - 16th Century. The sunburst shape from the 15th to the 20th Century.
Copied from signs in the Pitti Palace, April 2000
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