Virgin and Child

Unknown

ca. 1300 · Boxwood · The Cloisters

Carved fully in the round, the statuette impresses by the delicacy of its execution and its monumental character. The sculptor introduced optical corrections to accommodate a low vantage point, as from a prie-dieu (the Virgin's left eye is slightly higher than her right eye, so that when seen from below both eyes remain visible and appear focused on the Child). The surface, worn by kisses and caresses, attests to the intimate rapport of the devout with images during the Middle Ages.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1300

Medium

Boxwood

Culture

North French

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 2006