The altarpiece of Our Lady of La Leche centralizes Mary in a seated position, breastfeeding Jesus. Art depicting Mary nursing Jesus is known as "Madonna Lactans," and is a common type of early Christian art. This imagery symbolizes the humanity of Jesus and Mary's role as Theokotos, the Mother of God. The lower left panel shows Agatha, standing and holding her breasts on a plate in her right hand, while her left hand holds a feather. Margaret is found on the lower right, standing with her hands clasped in a prayer position a staff with a cross on the end is in the bend of her elbow.
Title of Art: Retablo de la Virgen de la Leche
Subjects: Mary, Agatha, Margaret
Subject Century: 1st, 4th
Art Form: Altarpiece
Date of Composition: 16th century
Exhibit Institution: Catedral Vieja de Salamanca, Museo Diocesano de Salamanca
Exhibit Location: Salamanca, Spain
VM Image #: 0179
Photographer: Maija Pulliam
Date of Photograph: August 31, 2023