 Once draped in earthly garments she becomes a personification of the Christian Church which offers a spiritual transport back to the pure love of eternal salvation.In this case the scallop shell upon which this image of Venus/Eve/Madonna/Church stands may be seen in its traditionally symbolic pilgrimage context.Furthermore, the broad expanse of sea serves as a reminder of the Virgin Mary's title "stella maris", alluding both to the Madonna's name (Maria/maris) and to the heavenly body (Venus/stella).