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----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Trudy, This is indeed a representation of the Conception. Often a humunculous or beam of light is seen shooting into the Virgin's ear. I think it is to indicate, as with the humunculous or beam of light going through clear glass, that the Virgin remained a virgin even though she conceived. Perhaps someone more informed of this iconography could elaborate. I cannot think of a specific painting at the moment but will work on it--most probably a Northern Renaissance master like Bouts, Christus, Campin, van der Weyden, etc. John >----------------------------Original message---------------------------- >I have a strange reference question- >has anyone ever heard of a representation of the Madonna showing the >conception through the ear??? >any help would be appreciated! >thanks in advance, >Trudy > >Trudy Jacoby >Trinity College >Hallden Hall, Visual Resources Collection >Hartford, CT 06106-3100 > >[log in to unmask] >860-297-2194 John J. Taormina Curator, Visual Resources Library Dept. of History of Art 204 Hayes Hall, 108 N. Oval Mall Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio 43210 phone: 614-292-0520, fax: 614-292-4401 e-mail: [log in to unmask] URL: http://vrl3.arts.ohio-state.edu/vrlweb/main.htm