Plaque: The Litanies of the Blessed Virgin

The design of the composition is based on an engraving by Thielman Kerver (act. 1497–1522), published in a book of hours (Heures de la Vierge à l’usage de Rome) in 1505. Under a dark blue background filled with stars, the Virgin Mary on this plaque painted in grisaille is dressed in white, her hands joined in prayer. She is positioned within a thin gold mandorla and surrounded by the Litanies of the Blessed Virgin, prayers consisting of a series of supplications. God is blessing her from above. Numerous symbols associated with the iconography of the Virgin are represented.