The Virgin and Child
Relief
ca. 1325-1350 (made)
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 | |
Title | The 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 |
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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 |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.1093-1910 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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