Le molteplici "vite" di un'immagine medievale: la Madonna del Pilastro e il suo culto

The devotion to "Our Lady of the Pilaster" (Madonna del Pilastro), painted in the 14th century on the first pillar in the nave to the left upon entering, is among the best-known and oldest cults within the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padova. Based on fresh archival research, this essay examines the development of the popular worship of this image, whose medieval beginnings do not seem to have been associated with any particular liturgical tradition. It was at the end of the 15th century that a new devotion took place. Indeed, at that moment, the image started to be seen as the Immaculate Virgin, «sine labe originali concepta» (conceived without original sin), thus becoming the focal point of the Marian Feast of December 8th, as well described in literary sources. This theological reinterpretation contributed to increasing the popular devotion to the image, especially on the part of blind people, so as it also became known as "Our Lady of the Blind".