Virgin and Child
NORTHERN ITALY, PIEDMONT (?)
Mid-13th c.
Polychromed and gilded chestnut
66.6 x 22.2 x 24 cm
Purchase, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' Volunteer Association and Junior Associates Funds
Inventory 1973.Df.18
According to medieval theology, the Virgin in Majesty, seated on the Throne of Solomon with the adult Christ on her lap, is herself the Throne of the "New Solomon", the seat of divine wisdom (Sedes Sapentiae). This fine piece is from the Meuse River valley intersecting modern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Its stylized drapery exemplifies Late Romanesque sculpture, and the faces, softened by gentle smiles, herald the more individualized Gothic representations of the relationship of Mother and Child. The pomegranate the Christ Child holds in his left hand is a symbol of the unity of the Church, as well as of immortality and resurrection. The Virgin's crown alludes to her role as Queen of Heaven and Bride of Christ.
Virgin and Child
NORTHERN ITALY, PIEDMONT (?)
Mid-13th c.
Polychromed and gilded chestnut
66.6 x 22.2 x 24 cm
Purchase, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts' Volunteer Association and Junior Associates Funds
Inventory 1973.Df.18
According to medieval theology, the Virgin in Majesty, seated on the Throne of Solomon with the adult Christ on her lap, is herself the Throne of the "New Solomon", the seat of divine wisdom (Sedes Sapentiae). This fine piece is from the Meuse River valley intersecting modern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Its stylized drapery exemplifies Late Romanesque sculpture, and the faces, softened by gentle smiles, herald the more individualized Gothic representations of the relationship of Mother and Child. The pomegranate the Christ Child holds in his left hand is a symbol of the unity of the Church, as well as of immortality and resurrection. The Virgin's crown alludes to her role as Queen of Heaven and Bride of Christ.