Virgin Mary should not be depicted in pain while labouring
Molanus argues that a recurrent depiction of the Virgin Mary during labour is incorrect and deviates from the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.
Apocryphal stories about the Virgin Mary and Christ
Molanus disapproves of artworks depicting apocryphal stories of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Artists follow the traditions of depicting Christ, Mary, and Apostles either by studying other paintings or the authorities
Molanus argues that artists should follow the pictorial tradition set by other artists or study the written sources regarding the subject.
The depiction of the Virgin Mary
Molanus refers to Epiphanius for the correct depiction of the Virgin Mary: as a humble and graceful woman.
Images of the Trinity in the bosom of the Virgin Mary are devoid of beauty and religion
Molanus criticises a particular type of statue of the Virgin Mary that could be opened up and held an image of the Trinity in this inner compartment. According to him, this creates a wrong illusion about the relationship between Virgin Mary and the Trinity.
The Virgin Mary is always a virgin and free of sin
Molanus explains the iconography of Virgin Mary trambling the Devil with her feet as the depiction of her life free of sin and her virginity.
Matters uncertain in the sources, but whose depiction is judged probable by the painters
Molanus concludes that a certain pictorial tradition of an unestablished story does not mean this story has become certain, but that this way of depicting is most probable.
