Faith's Frontiers

An Exploration of Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation in the "Guanyin/Madonna and Child" Painting

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3474574
AutoresZetong Liu (0009-0002-8065-7995), Hui Zeng (0009-0000-3792-9815, Jiangnan University), Junming Chen (0000-0001-6406-0924, Guangzhou University, autor correspondente)
Ano2025
Volume16
Fascículo1
Páginas36
Data de publicação2025-01-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditoraMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16010036
OpenAlexW4405992389
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas11

The Guanyin/Madonna and Child painting, housed in the British Museum, exemplifies a distinct amalgamation of Catholic and Buddhist elements. This academic study explores the religious syncretism within this artwork, set against the backdrop of Sino-Western cultural dynamics. By integrating socio-religious analysis with iconographic methods, this research highlighted the interplay between the two religious traditions and the broader trends of cultural adaptation and religious amalgamation. It was proposed that the painting, on display at the British Museum, reflects not only the European depiction of the Madonna of Humility but also the Jesuit missionary influence and the clandestine religious practices of Chinese Christians during periods of persecution. This investigation provided new perspectives on the nuances of religious syncretism and the evolution of religious imagery within the contexts of cultural exchanges and missionary initiatives, augmenting scholarly discussions on the dynamics between religious beliefs and societal frameworks

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