Enthroned Virgin and Child

ca. 1200–1250

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.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Enthroned Virgin and Child
Date: ca. 1200–1250
Geography: Made in probably Aragon or Navarre, Spain
Culture: Spanish
Medium: Elephant ivory, traces of paint
Dimensions: Overall: 5 3/16 x 2 1/8 x 1 7/16 in. (13.2 x 5.4 x 3.7 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Elephant
Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1972
Object Number: 1972.143
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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