Enthroned Virgin and Child

Unknown

ca. 1260–80 · Elephant ivory with traces of paint and gilding · The Cloisters

This statuette of the Virgin and Child was produced at a time when Paris was the principal European center of ivory carving. The sensitively carved face of the Virgin generates a tender aura, presenting her as a loving mother rather than the Queen of Heaven. The head of the child Jesus is a modern replacement.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1260–80

Medium

Elephant ivory with traces of paint and gilding

Culture

French

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

Purchase, The Cloisters Collection and Michel David-Weill Gift, 1999