HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND THEOLOGICAL APPROACH TO THE APOCALYPTIC VIRGIN OF QUITO

Abstract

This is a theological study of the most emblematic figure of Quito culture: the winged Virgin carved in the eighteenth century by Bernardo de Legarda. As usually identified with the Virgin of Apocalypse 12, first analyzes the biblical text is analyzed in the light of the new and traditional interpretations that have been given so far. Here we review the main features of the apocalyptic woman, so that, with this background, confront them with the data provided by the Quito imagery of the Virgin winged. Specifically, the research analyzes the significance of the Sun clothing, the moon under her feet, a crown of stars, the fact that she is pregnant and that she suffers Labour pains, and her large eagle wings. The conclusion is that this image is essentially the apocalyptic Virgin, but enriched theologically and ichnographically with the signs of a Genesis woman and the culture of Quito.