The Virgin Mary
The cult of the Virgin Mary in medieval ages was one of the most prominent examples of the cult of saints in Christian practice. The importance of the Virgin in the Christian faith was immense, and this importance was reflected in the representations of her in various forms of art, marian devotion, and in the many relics that would come to be tied to her. The Virgin’s history originates in the text of the Christian Gospels, where she is approached by the archangel Gabriel and asked if she will bear the son of God. This event is known as the Annunciation, and is depicted time and time again through paintings and sculpture in Christian art. In the theology of Chrsitianity, Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception, gave birth as a virgin to the savior, Jesus Christ, and even ascended to Heaven at the time of her death. These understandings of Mary as an exceptional person elevate her status in the Christian religion, and led to the cult surrounding her.
The Shrine of the Virgin emphasizes the Virgin Mary and the trinity. When closed, Mary is depicted nursing the infant Jesus, and when opened the trinity is represented in three figures, with only the father remaining. Mary is the subject of many pieces of art in the church, and associations with God are frequent in these. Her role as the mother of Christ is elevated as theology and the cult of saints developed, resulting in a strong cult surrounding her.