“Nursing Madonna” or “Our Lady of Lactation”
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“Nursing Madonna” or “Our Lady of Lactation”
This marble sculpture features the “Nursing Madonna“.
The sculpture was moved from the Petersberg Church of Friesach to its current location in the Kapellenturm Museum.
The sculpture was originally polychromed.
The head is made of wood and was added later.
The sculpture is Veronese and was created around 1230 CE.
It is on loan from the parish of St. Bartholomew.
The Nursing Madonna is also known as:
– Breastfeeding Madonna
– Our Lady of Lactation
– Maria Lactans.
Significance of Maria Lactans
Maria Lactans refers to depictions of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus. This image symbolises Mary’s nurturing and maternal love and highlights her role as both the “Mother of God” and “a symbol of divine care and sustenance“. The image also has theological significance, as it underscores Christ’s humanity and the physical nature of his incarnation.