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Virgin and Child in Majesty

ca. 1175–1200
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304
In medieval sculpture, individual body parts were often accentuated to convey meaning. Here, Mary’s oversized hands direct our attention to Jesus, enthroned upon his mother’s lap. This type of sculpture, much favored in the twelfth century, is known as a Throne of Wisdom (Sedes Sapientiae).

Appearing like a miniature adult, Jesus, as the Son of God, is Wisdom incarnate. He would have grasped a Bible, a further reference to the concept of divine wisdom that he embodies. Mary is both sculpture and vessel—her body has a cavity behind her shoulder, which suggests the work was a container for holy relics. Such devotional statues may have been carried in church processions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Virgin and Child in Majesty
  • Date: ca. 1175–1200
  • Geography: Made in Auvergne, France
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Walnut with paint, tin relief on a lead white ground, and linen
  • Dimensions: Overall: 31 5/16 x 12 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (79.5 x 31.7 x 29.2 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Wood
  • Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1916
  • Object Number: 16.32.194a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

Audio

Cover Image for 82. Virgin and Child in Majesty, Part 1

82. Virgin and Child in Majesty, Part 1

Gallery 304

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More Artwork

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Enthroned Virgin and Child, Walnut with gesso, paint, tin leaf, traces of linen, and possible human remains, French
Enthroned Virgin and Child
French
1150–1200
Crucified Christ, Elephant ivory, traces of polychromy, French
Crucified Christ
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ca. 1260–80
Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux, Jean de Liège Franco-Netherlandish, Marble with lead inlays, French
Tomb Effigy Bust of Marie de France (1327-41), daughter of Charles IV of France and Jeanne d'Evreux
Jean de Liège
ca. 1381
Scenes from the Legend of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the History of His Relics, Pot-metal glass, vitreous paint, and lead, French
Scenes from the Legend of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the History of His Relics
French
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Head of King David, Limestone, light fine-grained, French
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