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Virgin and Child

first quarter 14th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 305
Elevated high in his mother’s arms, the Christ Child holds the end of her belt, a gesture that may indicate the mystical marriage of Christ and his mother, a theme frequently mentioned in popular hymns and sermons. This detail is characteristic of similar sculptures from Normandy. Stylistic elements including the Virgin’s pose and the rendering of drapery folds buttress the attribution to Normandy.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Virgin and Child
  • Date: first quarter 14th century
  • Geography: Made in Normandy, France (probably)
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Limestone with traces of paint and gilding
  • Dimensions: Overall: 61 1/2 x 18 x 11 in. (156.2 x 45.7 x 27.9 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture-Stone
  • Credit Line: Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.190.279
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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French
ca. 1300–1310
Column Statue of a King, Limestone, French
Column Statue of a King
French
ca. 1150–60
Relief of the Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus, Limestone with traces of polychromy and gilding, French
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1264–88
Crucified Christ, Elephant ivory, traces of polychromy, French
Crucified Christ
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ca. 1260–80

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