Immaculate Conception: art before the dogma

(Vatican Radio) There lies a Capuchin Church in the heart of Rome known as 'Santa Maria della Concezione", best known for its rather spooky crypt. But it's one that also has a number of artistic masterpieces.

Among them Guido Reni's Saint Michael the Archangel on the wall of the right hand side chapel as you walk in but also above the main altar a depiction of the Immaculate Conception as imagined by Gioacchino Bombelli. One that replaces a Lanfranco 'pala' damaged by fire.

Our Professor of Fine Arts Breda Ennis, takes us on a tour and explains the dogma of the Immaculate Conception as she goes along.

Listen to a programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick: