Enthroned Virgin and Child

Spanish

On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 14

Although many ivory statues from medieval France survive, this enthroned Virgin and Child is a rare example from Spain. The wide open eyes, straight nose, rounded chin, and thick neck are typical of thirteenth- and fourteenth-century representations from the old kingdoms of Léon and Navarre. Both Virgin and Child are shown holding spherical objects (apples or orbs), symbols of authority that allude to Jesus as the new Adam and Mary as the new Eve. The Virgin is victorious; the devil in the form of a dragon lies vanquished under her feet.

Enthroned Virgin and Child, Ivory, traces of paint, Spanish

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