Stars and blue as symbols of the Virgin Mary in Christian art and church architecture

Readers ask: what makes me so sure this is the Madonna and not simply a lady with a child?

In fact, it is obvious, if one knows the simplest Christian symbols. First, the tunic is strewn with stars. The star is a sign of the Mother of God, a reminder of the birth of Christ. Second, the blue mantle. The heavenly shades of deep blue and pale blue are always associated with the Blessed Virgin.

This applies equally to icons, painting, sculpture and architecture. The same is true in the Orthodox tradition: churches painted blue are dedicated to the Mother of God. Recall the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God on Uspensky Vrazhek (in Gazetny Lane). Blue domes, too, call the Mother of God to mind.