This oil painting of Virgin Mary by Joseph Stella caught my attention because of how much is going on in just one piece. It contains very natural everyday objects such as fruits and flowers, but also uses something so religious and profound like the Virgin Mary at the center of attention. This painting easily draws the eye because of how well the different colors work together. Although this is part of the Infinite Blue collection, there are many subtle, yet bright colors along the edge of the painting ensuring that the viewer focuses not only on the Virgin Mary, but all the details that come with it.
Looking closely and analyzing more intently, the viewer realizes the connection that the artist tries to make between the fruits and Virgin Mary. Just by naming the piece The Virgin, Stella inflicts a sort of innocence and purity not only on Virgin Mary, but also on the piece itself. This is further displayed by Virgin Mary’s gentle face and youthful appearance. The artist incorporates this idea of fertility throughout the painting with the use of fruits and flowers. Although there is a connection of purity and naturalness between Virgin Mary and the objects that surround her, a disconnection also arises when the viewer questions why Virgin Mary has her palms resting on her chest in this painting. This arouses the idea of being concealed and arouses the question of what she is hiding beneath the perceived innocence. The artist attempts to hint at this with the fact that Virgin Mary is covering her breasts specifically and the fullness in them, which contrasts the innocence and maturity going on in this piece.
