The Pauline or Borghese Chapel and the icon « Maria Salus Populi Romani » in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

The pontiff Sixtus III made a gift of the icon of the Virgin to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a devotion dating from between 432 and 440.

Icon Maria Salus Populi Romani in the Paolina Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Icon Maria Salus Populi Romani The sacred image of Saint Mary Major located in the Chapel Paolina is traditionally said to be painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist; in reality it dates from the 5th century, or even later, according to experts.

In fact, this icon was recently restored, making it possible to date it between the Ninth and 13th centuries.

This does not mean, however, that it was not originally created by Saint Luke.

In fact, at the time, works of art were often reproduced due to the fragility of early paintings.

The icon painted by Saint Luke could have been the one offered by Sixtus III.

It could also have been damaged and reproduced between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, and be the one we can see today.

The first historical document to mention it is the « Liber Pontificalis », mentions that Gregory III (pope from 731 to 741) wanted it to be adorned with precious stones.

Paolina Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome

Chapel Paolina The sacred image of the Virgin Mary considered and venerated as « Maria Salus Populi Romani », the « Mary Salvation of the Roman People » was carried in procession on Marian feasts, and during calamities, such as the epidemics that struck the city of Rome.

The most famous case was when Pope Gregory the Great had her carried to St Peter's to implore Heaven to put an end to the plague epidemic of the year 590.

God answered the Romans" prayer by sending an angel who landed atop Hadrian's mausoleum sheathing his sheathed sword to announce the end of the plague hence its name of Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Virgin « Salus Populi Romani », the Mary « Salvation of the Roman People » had answered the prayer of the faithful.

Paolina Chapel Nevertheless Gregory the Great died of pestis the same year 590.

In this holy image, the Virgin Mary wears a ring on the middle finger of her right hand and holds a blue cloth in her left hand.

The Infant Jesus holds a holy book, probably the Gospel, in his left hand.

It will also be noted that Mary's right hand reflects the gesture of her Child's right hand, with two fingers outstretched, one to bend and the other as a reference to the Trinity.

At the top of the painting, the letters MP OY can be read on either side of the Virgin's head.

Bas-relief of the Miracle of the Snow These letters form the abbreviation for « Mèter Theoù », which means « Mother of God ».

The Miracle of the Snow

Above the altar where the sacred icon is displayed is a bas-relief in bronze by Stefano Maderno (1576-1636).

It depicts the miraculous episode of the snowfall in August that led to the construction of the basilica on the colline dell'Esquilino, in Rome.

It shows Pope Liberus (352-366), surrounded by ecclesiastics and Roman citizens, drawing lines in the snow to mark the site of the future basilica.

Art History Apse | Altar Baldachin | Central Nave | Tomb Pope Francis | Triumphal Arch Mosaics | Sides Mosaics | Cosmatesque Pavement Nave | Confession Crypt | Baptistery | Paolina Chapel | Sistine Chapel | Portico | Blessings Lodge | Pope's Hall | Treasury
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