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The Virgin and Child

Relief
ca. 1325-1350 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This relief of ivory in a modern carved frame is representing the Virgin and Child with angels. The Virgin stands under a pointed trefoil arch holding the Child on her left arm. The angels stand on either side of her holding candles. The plaque cannot have been part of a diptych or a writing tablet. On acquisition, it was suggested that it had been attached to a book cover, although the conspicuously worn surfaces indicate that it was instead the subject of prolonged affective piety, perhaps being repeatedly kissed and rubbed. There is the possibility that it was worn as an amulet, suspended from the holes near the top, or it may have been employed as a pax.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Virgin and Child (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Relief in elephant ivory in modern carved frame
Brief description
Relief, ivory in modern frame, the Virgin and Child, France, ca. 1325-1350
Physical description
The Virgin stands under a pointed trefoil arch holding the Child on her left arm. The angels stand on either side of her holding candles. Above a trefoil arch is supported on corbels. Along the top of the plaque is a step moulding. The surface is extremely worn, especially to the heads of the Virgina and Child, and the ivory has been painted painted or stained dark brown.
Dimensions
  • Height: 7.4cm
  • Width: 5.5cm
  • Height: 14.6cm
Object history
In the colllection of Captain Henry Boyles Murray, London, before 1910; From the Murray bequest, 1910 (no. 64).
Historical context
The ivory is pierced with holes perhaps for attachment to a book-cover.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This relief of ivory in a modern carved frame is representing the Virgin and Child with angels. The Virgin stands under a pointed trefoil arch holding the Child on her left arm. The angels stand on either side of her holding candles. The plaque cannot have been part of a diptych or a writing tablet. On acquisition, it was suggested that it had been attached to a book cover, although the conspicuously worn surfaces indicate that it was instead the subject of prolonged affective piety, perhaps being repeatedly kissed and rubbed. There is the possibility that it was worn as an amulet, suspended from the holes near the top, or it may have been employed as a pax.
Bibliographic references
  • 'Salting Bequest (A. 70 to A. 1029-1910) / Murray Bequest (A. 1030 to A. 1096-1910)'. In: List of Works of Art Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (Department of Architecture and Sculpture). London: Printed under the Authority of his Majesty's Stationery Office, by Eyre and Spottiswoode, Limited, East Harding Street, EC, p. 166
  • Williamson, Paul and Davies, Glyn, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1550, (in 2 parts), V&A Publishing, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014 part I, pp. 522-523
  • Williamson, Paul and Davies, Glyn, Medieval Ivory Carvings, 1200-1550, (in 2 parts), V&A Publishing, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, part I, pp. 522-523, cat. no. 178
Collection
Accession number
A.1093-1910

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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