Virgin And Child, Flanders, Late 16th Century

Probably pearwood, Flanders, ca. 1580
Height: 28 cm. Condition: the Christ Child is missing the right arm; some restorations to the hands of Mary and the Child.

This intimate representation of the Virgin and Child is carved in warmly toned wood. Mary, standing, carries the Child on her right arm, close to her body, while her left hand supports his feet. Maternal devotion is conveyed through her calm, reserved posture, with a softly modelled face and carefully styled hair. The hair, smoothed along the face and pulled tightly back, is typical of sculpture from the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The visual language, restrained expression and treatment of the drapery reflect the transition from Renaissance to early Baroque, pointing to a date around 1580. The sober execution combined with the use of fruitwood suggests a function as a domestic devotional figure. Comparable sculptures are known from the Southern Netherlands, where the intimate character of the Virgin and Child was highly valued in private devotion. This piece, probably made in Flanders, reflects a form of religiosity that is both personal and tangible, directed toward comfort, closeness and daily contemplation.

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