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, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish
Enthroned Virgin and Child, Elephant ivory, traces of paint, Spanish

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.