A Marian iconographic type representing Mary as conceived without Original Sin, commonly shown standing on a crescent moon amid clouds, angels, and stars.
The Immaculate Conception in Catholic art represents Mary in relation to the doctrine that she was preserved from Original Sin from the first moment of her conception. A developed visual type shows her standing in glory, often on a crescent moon, surrounded by clouds, stars, rays, and angels.
Etymology
From Latin immaculatus, “unstained,” and conceptio, “conception.”
Sculptor Notes
This type is strongly vertical. The moon, clouds, putti or angels, and rising drapery should support the upward movement rather than form a pile beneath the figure. Spanish and Hispano-Philippine sculpture provides many important examples.
References
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/204332; https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-cult-of-the-virgin-mary-in-the-middle-ages