The Virgin
Statuette
ca. 1480 (made)
ca. 1480 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This figure of the Virgin Mary originally formed part of a Calvary group. Calvary was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. The group included this figure, together a figure of Saint John the Evangelist (Museum no. 714D-1895), with the Crucifixion at the centre. Such groups were usually set on a beam that supported the rood or cross in a church. They were found everywhere in the late Middle Ages. However, these particular figures have a very distinctive style. This allows us to be reasonably certain that they were made in the region around Tournai and north-western Hainaut (Belgium). Most sculptors in this area worked in oak. Limewood figures, such as this piece, are unusual.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | The Virgin (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Carved limewood, painted and gilded |
Brief description | Wood polychrome Flemish 15th cent |
Dimensions |
|
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This figure of the Virgin Mary originally formed part of a Calvary group. Calvary was the name of the place where Jesus was crucified. The group included this figure, together a figure of Saint John the Evangelist (Museum no. 714D-1895), with the Crucifixion at the centre. Such groups were usually set on a beam that supported the rood or cross in a church. They were found everywhere in the late Middle Ages. However, these particular figures have a very distinctive style. This allows us to be reasonably certain that they were made in the region around Tournai and north-western Hainaut (Belgium). Most sculptors in this area worked in oak. Limewood figures, such as this piece, are unusual. |
Associated object | 714D-1895 (Set) |
Bibliographic reference | Williamson, Paul, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2002. 160p., ill. ISBN 1851773738. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 714C-1895 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | December 5, 2002 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest