Seated Virgin and Child thumbnail 1
Not currently on display at the V&A

Seated Virgin and Child

Panel
15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Details of figures and drapery were often picked out with gilding. Traces remain in the hair and crown of the Virgin.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleSeated Virgin and Child (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Carved, painted and gilt alabaster
Brief description
Alabaster panel depicting the Virgin and Child. English, 15th century.
Physical description
The panel has a plain border on the left side. The crowned Virgin, holding a sceptre in her left hand and wearing a gown and a cloak fastened by a brooch, is sitting on a throne with the Christ Child on her right knee. The Virgin's cloak falls in heavy folds from her knees. The Child wears a cloak and holds an orb surmounted by a cross in his right hand; his left hand is raised.

The Virgin's head has been broken off and repaired. The bottom corners of the panel are missing. The cross on the orb has been damaged. The top of the panel has been cut away round the Virgin's head and shoulders.

Green paint and traces of the usual daisy pattern remain on the background. Other traces of red and blue paint remain on the robes of the Virgin and the Child. There are traces of gilding on the hair and the crown of the Virgin. The back of the panel is incised with an 'X.' There are two lead-plugged holes. The bottom has been cut away.
Dimensions
  • Height: 33.4cm
  • Width: 16cm
From Cheetham, English Medieval Alabasters, 1984.
Style
Marks and inscriptions
'X' (On the back of the panel.; incising)
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh FSA
Object history
Acquired by Dr W. L. Hildburgh in London. On loan from him since 1931. Given by Dr Hildburgh in 1946.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Details of figures and drapery were often picked out with gilding. Traces remain in the hair and crown of the Virgin.
Bibliographic reference
Cheetham, Francis. English Medieval Alabasters. Oxford: Phaidon-Christie's Limited, 1984. p. 194 (cat. 121), ill. ISBN 0-7148-8014-0
Collection
Accession number
A.179-1946

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Record createdNovember 27, 2002
Record URL
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