Radial Madonna

Another Munch inspired work, I have always had
a distintive and unconventional interpretation of the namesake
painting, "Madonna". I know that most critics and even
Munch himself viewed this and other versions of  this painting
as a commentary on motherhood, and more specifically,
the mechanics of conception. The title "Madonna" begs a
Christian connection, but I see something else.
Many Christians (perhaps the majority) see themselves as
something special, even "King's Kids" due to their redemption.
The Bible paints a more unsavory picture. As a component of the
scriptural collective "Bride of Christ", the individual Christian
is likened to a redeemed harlot, struggling in vain against a
filthy nature, redeemed and accepted only due to
repeated and continual forgiveness by a Divine Suitor.
In Munch's "Madonna", I see this harlot, her halo a rakish
red beret, her form blemished and stained, embraced in ethereal
acceptance, despite her character and her life's product.

Madonna - Edvard Munch - 1893