4" x 4" opened.
This tunnel artist book was inspired by Sandro Botticelli's painting "The Madonna of the Magnificat" (Italian: Madonna del Magnificat). The composition of this painting, including details such as the tondo form, the perspective of the circles, and the landscape in the background, influenced my work. Botticelli and other artists of the Renaissance created numerous artworks in the genre of circular tondi, but this particular piece stands out for its emphasized round forms and depth of perspective.
In Botticelli's painting, the Virgin Mary, crowned by two angels, is depicted writing the canticle "Magnificat anima mea Dominum" (My soul doth magnify the Lord) under the guidance of her Son, Jesus, as described in Luke 1:46-47. Jesus sits on his mother's lap, while three other angels observe the scene.
To connect the pages of this tunnel book, I used lace reminiscent of classical Italian-made needle lace from Burano, aiming to add a tactile and visual link to the intricate artistry of the Renaissance era.
Traditionally, the Madonna is portrayed as a reader rather than a writer. Botticelli's decision to depict her as a writer emphasizes her role as both a mother and an author, possibly advocating for women's multifaceted capabilities in child rearing and creativity.
