The use of the Marian icon in Venice: Religion and politics merge in the Church of Santa Maria della Salute

The Virgin Mary was central to the success of Venice from the beginning of the Republic. Venice was exposed to the Byzantine idea that the union of the spiritual and material could be achieved in the form of an icon. The church quickly realized the value of visual images in their apostolic mission and began the extensive use of icons, as a non-verbal way to strengthen their flock and attempt to convert non-believers. The Venetian authorities also utilized the icon of the Virgin Mary for promotion of the Venetian Republic, the harbor of Venice inviolate like the Virgin's womb.;The Church of Santa Maria della Salute is a physical and psychological declaration of Venetian devotion to the Republic and devotion to the Virgin who rescued their city from the plague. The building of the votive church and the public pageantry associated with it truly merged the ideas and interests of the Venetian Republic and the Venetian church into a powerful symbol centered on the Virgin. Both the Virgin and the Republic are reflected as she sits gleaming in the magical light of the canal, giving testament to Venice's belief that she continues to exist as Venetia Vergine.