Which figure did the cult of the Virgin replace in Christian iconography?

The cult of the Virgin Mary emerged as a significant aspect of Christian iconography, particularly during the early centuries of the Christian church. This development can be understood as part of a broader shift in theological and cultural perspectives on women and femininity within the Christian tradition.

By elevating Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to a position of veneration, she was increasingly perceived as a figure of purity, grace, and motherhood, which countered the more negative portrayal of Eve, who is often characterized as the "great sinner" due to her role in the biblical narrative of the Fall. This re-contextualization of femininity allowed for a more positive depiction of women in religious art and thought, positioning Mary as a model of virtue and righteousness.

In this context, Eve's role diminished as the representation of femininity in Christianity became more shaped by the figure of Mary. This transition contributed to Mary's status as a powerful intercessor and a symbol of divine grace, effectively replacing Eve's previously dominant image as the archetypal female figure associated with sin and temptation.