A Brief Analysis Of Secularization Of The Virgin Mary's Image In Western Europe During The 13th To 16th Century

The secularization of the Virgin Mary's image in Western Europe during the 13th‐16th century as a typical expression of the medieval Christian images. This article from the image's background, form and function analysis of secularization of the Virgin Mary's image in 13th‐ 16th century, to find out how medieval Christian art gradually from the sacred to the secular, from the religious worship to aesthetic. This paper also from the historical background, religious doctrines and arts environment analysis of reasons of the secularization of the Virgin Mary's image during the 13th‐16th century, to find out evolution of the image depends on more comprehensive factors than art itself. Multiple power in the Middle Ages society balanced, conflicted and integrated in order to promote the Christian secular image gradually toward independence, till the Renaissance eventually developed into art.This article use iconology and sociology methods, analyzed from the perspectives of Medieval Christian, Medieval society and Medieval Christian Art to explore the secularization of the Virgin Mary's image and finally makes a conclude: Medieval Art has a profound impact on Renaissance art, as well as the whole history of Western art.