Traditional Images of Mary Are Favored, Poll Finds

Modern art does not express the religious beliefs of many Americans.

In a survey to determine favorite images of Mary, respondents chose familiar portrayals ranging from a Renaissance Madonna to a pre-Raphaelite Madonna and Child.

Modern abstract Expressionist art, along with Romanesque art and Byzantine icons, were the least popular among all age groups surveyed by the International Marian Research Institute at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.

“What we want is God to be as close to us as possible, but still be God; to remain a bridge between divinity and humanity,” said Father Johann Roten, institute director.

At a recent Vatican-sponsored conference on religion and modern art, church officials and artists spoke of the difficulty that individuals within and without the church have in observing the spiritual side of modern art, which often relies on abstract expressions.

In the survey of adults and high school and college students conducted by the Marian Institute, most people gave a thumbs-down to modern art.

But both Byzantine icons and Romanesque art, which Roten described as sober portrayals often lacking in sweet facial expressions or lots of colors, also ranked low.

In religious art, people seem to be seeking a combination of the divine and the human that emphasizes the good, the true and the beautiful, rather than the more harsh aspects of judgment and evil that also are part of life.

“What they usually want is something that conveys joy, peace and all the positive feelings one might have,” Roten said.

The image of a triumphant Mary, holy, calm and with no difficulties, was particularly popular among the 180 Catholic high school students surveyed. They chose a Baroque Madonna, with images of Mary defeating Satan, as their favorite.

The 60 adults surveyed chose a pre-Raphaelite Madonna and Child, images often found on Christmas cards, as their favorite.