THE VIRGIN OF PILLAR 

(Church of Saint Anthony Padua)

This is the most beloved image of the Virgin in the Church .This panel is even more ancient than the Black Virgin placed in the Chapel where Saint Anthony is buried.

Formerly known as “the Virgin of the blinds” because in the past this was the meeting place of the blinds.

Made by Stefano from Ferrara in 1413.

Full of flowers , lights and silver hearts that testify the graces received through her intercession, the Virgin is leaning against the first pillar at the left side, and for this reason is called “The lady of the pillar”.

It the most ancient image of the Virgin as it is located in the place where the Church started to be built.

Even if it has been redecorated several times from various artists, the message of love and peace that this masterpiece transmit to the faithful, stays unchanged or might be eventually considered even enriched.

Many people go there to venerate her attracted by her genuine beauty and the small child she holds in her arms. The small child seems to be, on an artistic point of view, not perfectly made as he hasn’t got proportioned feet and the right side arm that grasps the neck of his mother seems to be too long, but it simply transmits a sort of infinite tenderness.

The faithful feel to be reassured by the celestial love of those eyes that seem to look deeply at you everywhere you move.

Detail of weaving