Madonna/məˈdɑːnə/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Religious Art Often found in churches, expressing veneration for the Virgin Mary. The museum's Renaissance section has several Madonnas from Italy. Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Mary While typically Mary, 'Madonna' can depict any virtuous woman in art. The artist's Madonna resembled his own mother, symbolizing purity. Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Symbol Madonna is an enduring symbol of motherhood and compassion in culture. Her protective nature made us refer to her as the class's Madonna.