The patristic and medieval theological heritage in the doors of the Holy Chapel of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar in Zaragoza

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to offer the exegesis of the iconographic program of the doors of the Holy Chapel of the Basilica del Pilar. To this effect, we start from the individualized study of the twenty reliefs of the sculptural group, through the interpretation of medieval patristic and theological hermeneutics. The analysis of the sources has revealed a complex Marian apologetic discourse founded on the metaphorical concepts of the perpetual virginity of Mary, the incarnation of the Son of God, divine motherhood and the example of virtuous life. Such a question reveals a deeper underlying intentionality: the defense of the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. At that time (1760-1765) it was considered a belief, since it would not be elevated to dogma until 8th December 1854.