Panel: DATASETS, WORKFLOWS, SOFTWARE AND AIS TO STUDY RELIGIONS: WHAT IS NEW AND WHAT IS AHEAD?



398_2.8 - SEEING MARY: MARIAN ICONOGRAPHY BETWEEN VISUAL CULTURE, RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND GAZE STUDIES

AUTHORS:
Ruozzi F. (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia ~ Reggio Emilia ~ Italy) , Papasidero M. (University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Di Cosmo A.P. (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia ~ Reggio Emilia ~ Italy)
Text:
This paper presents an innovative, large-scale experimental study on the perception of Marian iconography, combining eye-tracking methodologies with survey-based data collection in a digital environment. The research involves a substantial and diversified sample of participants who are invited to observe selected Marian images on screen while simultaneously providing structured responses through an integrated questionnaire. The project is developed by ITSERR - WP6 in collaboration with UNGUESS, enabling access to a wide user base and the collection of high-volume, demographically varied data. The study aims to investigate how viewers engage visually and cognitively with Marian representations across different historical periods and stylistic traditions. The project is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together gaze studies, history of Christianity, visual history, and art history. By scaling up experimental approaches traditionally limited to laboratory settings, this research proposes a new methodological framework for the analysis of religious visual culture.