Madonna and Child

ca. 1620–25

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520

Kriebel, one of the few North German sculptors, carved this plaque from a single piece of ivory. He took advantage of the material’s softness to create a background of clouded sky. Paper thin and translucent, the ivory allows light to pass through and illuminate the Madonna’s downturned head as she gazes adoringly at her sleeping child’s peaceful face. The pair’s smooth skin is enhanced by the surrounding folds of layered drapery of the Madonna’s clothing and of the blankets cradling the infant Christ.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Madonna and Child
Artist: Jürgen Kriebel (1580/90 –1645)
Date: ca. 1620–25
Culture: German, Magdeburg
Medium: Ivory
Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 5 × 3 7/8 × 1 3/8 in. (12.7 × 9.8 × 3.5 cm)
Classification: Natural Substances-Ivory
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gifts, H. Rodes and Patricia Hart Gift, Ruth and Victoria Blumka Fund, and Gifts in memory of Olga Raggio, 2010
Object Number: 2010.8
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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