Virgin and Child

Unknown

ca. 1250–75 · Ivory with traces of polychromy and gilding · Medieval Art

Material has a direct impact on form, especially in the case of ivory sculpture. Here the graceful curve of the Virgin’s body reflects the shape of the elephant tusk from which the statue was carved. The monumental quality of this ivory closely corresponds to stone sculpture on Gothic cathedrals.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1250–75

Medium

Ivory with traces of polychromy and gilding

Culture

North French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917