As part of the ‘Kulturerbe digital’ project, a programme to digitise Austrian cultural heritage, we have digitised a large number of devotional images (Andachtsbilder). Mary is the most frequently depicted figure in Christian art. The image of Mary is therefore extremely versatile and ranges from Mary as the enthroned Queen of Heaven to Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows or Mary as Madonna – Mary with child. Scenes of Mary's life, such as the temple procession or the Assumption, are also depicted time and again. Mary is frequently found on the now digitised small devotional images in the Volkskundemuseum Wien (Austrian Museum of Folk Life and Folk Art).

A rare find in our collection and in general is Mary as a swaddled child. I am amazed by this small devotional image showing Mary with chubby cheeks and clasped hands, framed by an oval, gold-coloured, relief frame. Her head lies on a golden pillow and a blue ribbon is attached to her neck. A ribbon wrapped around her body bears the inscription ‘Glück Segen und Zufriedenheit’ (happiness, blessings and contentment). The ribbon is fastened over her belly with a brooch bearing the name Mary.

According to the inventory book, this Andachtsbild from the 19th century was used to convey congratulations on the occasion of a child named Maria (German for Mary) having been born. You can now browse through our collections on our new online platform and find your own favourite digital objects for your personal collection!

Greta Gutweniger