As an image and an inspiration for writers, musicians and poets as well as painters and sculptors, the Virgin Mary is one of the most celebrated muses in the world.

Rosie Goldsmith talks with Richard Dawkins, Ann Widdecombe, Marina Warner and Miri Rubin about why they believe in or reject the power of Mary as a subject of art.

At the Holy Week processions in Seville she witnesses the intense modern-day veneration of their Mary - the Macarana - and meets a young Seville sculptor for whom Mary is a constant muse. She talks to Xavier Bray, curator of Spanish and Italian painting at the National Gallery in London about the figure of the Virgin in sacred art and she examines the controversial work of contemporary British artist Chris Ofili.

Producer: Sarah Cuddon
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4. Show less