An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Virgin and Childlate 1200s
This sculpture is a rare survival in wood from the valley of the Meuse River (modern Belgium and Holland), an important region for the production of ecclesiastical art in the 1100s and 1200s. The elegantly draped figure is remarkable for the preservation of much of its original paint and gilding, including the Virgin's gilded mantle highlighted with decorative bands of geometric patterns and the green dragon on which she stands. There are small settings around the Virgin's neck and along the border of the mantle that would have originally been set with gem and glass cabochons in imitation of the richly adorned metalwork for which Mosan art was highly esteemed. The settings for these cabochons provide some hint of the original opulence of this sculpture. The Virgin's serene features and beautiful countenance are noteworthy, as is the refined execution of the draperies.
Dragons, like the one Mary is standing on, sometimes look more like snakes in medieval art.
wood (oak) with polychromy and gilding
Overall: 83 x 24 x 20 cm (32 11/16 x 9 7/16 x 7 7/8 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
Nestled in the tranquil embrace of the Meuse River valley, where the waters dance between modern Belgium and Holland, a rare treasure of the past finds its home. This wooden sculpture, a marvel from the 1100s and 1200s, whispers stories of a time when the region flourished as a cradle of ecclesiastical art.
Imagine the sculptor, chisel in hand, crafting an elegantly draped figure of the Virgin Mary. Each stroke of the tool brought life to the wood, imbuing it with grace and serenity. Today, this figure still stands, its delicate beauty preserved through the ages. The original paint and gilding, though worn by time, wraps around her form like a gentle embrace. The Virgin's mantle, adorned with gilded patterns of geometric majesty, shimmers softly, while beneath her feet coiled the green dragon—a creature of legend, a symbol of protection.
Look closely, and you can see the small settings that encircle the Virgin's neck and line the border of her mantle. They tell a tale of opulence, once sparkling with precious gems and vibrant glass cabochons that imitated the lavish metalwork acclaimed in Mosan art. These tiny holders, now empty, echo hints of past splendor, inviting us to imagine how this piece must have gleamed in the flickering candlelight of an ancient cathedral.
But beyond the decorative elements and intricate craftsmanship lies the essence of the Virgin herself. Her serene features radiate a gentle calm, a quiet strength that has transcended centuries. The refined draperies flow around her like a river of silk, each fold suggesting movement and stillness alike, captivating all who stand before her.
In this moment, as we gaze upon this remarkable sculpture, we are reminded of the artistry of human hands and the stories held within every curve and color—a testimony to both faith and creativity, patiently waiting to be rediscovered.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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