Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Madonna Lactans

Assisi is located on a steep slope (accessible via escalators) and a site of many a pilgrimage. Even in winter it can be very crowded - and a day before, we had to turn back, as all parking lots in the valley below were full. A day later, in heavy rain, we tried it again - and were in luck. This "Cattedrale di San Rufino" of today is the third church on this spot. They had been built over the tomb of Saint Rufinus, Bishop of Assisi, martyred in the 3rd century. The construction of the cathedral was started in 1134. When in 1228 Pope Gregory IX was in Assisi for the canonization of Saint Francis, he consecrated the high altar of the cathedral, that was finally completed in 1253. Of course during the long time of construction, the church was in use already. Saint Francis was baptized here in 1182, Saint Clare in 1193. The Romanesque façade of the Assisi-Cathedral is one of the richest in Umbria. A more detailed view on to the tympanum´s center. A "Majestas Domini". The "Pantokrator" is crowned and flanked by sun and moon. I do not know, who is the person to the right (Joseph?). To the left is a crowned (!) Virgin - "lactans". I cannot remember having ever seen a "Nursing Madonna" (aka "Madonna Lactans", "Maria lactans") on a tympanum before. These icons were popular from the 14th century on. I do not know, why the icon is tilt. The inner archivolt has some nice "real life" scenes.

The construction of the cathedral was ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and Mauricio, the Bishop of Burgos. Ferdinand had just married Barbarossa´s granddaughter Beatrice of Swabia (aka "Elisabeth of Swabia") and wanted a cathedral, reflecting his new role in the European power game. The former Romanesque cathedral got demolished and on July 20, 1221, the construction of the new Gothic started under the guidance of an unknown French architect. After nine years, the chevet was completed and the high altar was consecrated. Then the construction stopped for about 200 years. Attending the Council of Basel (aka "Council of Florence") in 1435 bishop (and diplomat) Alfonso de Cartagena saw the just completed, elegant towers of the Basel Minster. When he returned to Burgos he was accompanied by German architect Johannes von Köln (aka "Juan de Colonia"), who probably knew the blueprints of the towers, planned for the Cathedral of Cologne. Under his guidance the towers of the Cathedral were completed in open tracery. He was followed on the construction site by his son Simon de Colonia. Francisco de Colonia, Simon´s son, continued the work and created the Pellejería-Portal. This was a family business. Virgin Mary holding infant Jesus. Jesus acts like a very hungry breast-fed baby. This sculpture can be seen in the context of a "Nursing Madonna" (aka "Madonna Lactans", "Maria lactans"). These icons were popular from the 14th century on.

The Kermaria-an-Iskuit chapel has undergone many changes over the centuries. The construction of the oldest existing part is contributed to Henri d'Avaugour (+ 1183), count of Trégor and Goëlo, to give thanks after having returned from a crusade. In the 15th century the porch, seen here, and the transverse chapel were added. During the 19th century the structure was in real danger, when the parish priest wanted to demolish the chapel in order to construct the "modern" village church. The population resisted this plans - and so saved the building. Once this chapel was a place for pilgrimages, as the chapel is dedicated to the worship of "Itron Varia an Iskuit" (Saint Mary of the Healing) and following the local information, a traditional feast is still celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in September. There are some extraordinary statues here. I found three different statues of Virgin Mary holding infant Jesus. Here Jesus seems seems not to like breastfeeding. A "Nursing Madonna" (aka "Madonna Lactans", "Maria lactans") was a popular "icon" from the 14th century on. There is even a "Lactatio Bernardi", based on vision of Bernard of Clairvaux where the Virgin sprinkled milk on Bernard´s lips.