Large Pietà Or Virgin Of Pity – France, 15th Century

This sculpture, created in the 15th century in a French workshop, depicts the Mater Dolorosa, the Virgin Mary mourning the death of her son, whom she holds on her lap after the Descent from the Cross.

This episode is situated between the Crucifixion and the Entombment. It should not be confused with the Lamentation of Christ, which includes other figures such as Saint John and Saint Mary Magdalene.

The group is arranged in a triangular composition, with Christ's legs folded almost perpendicularly along the Virgin's robe.

She wears a flowing gown whose overlapping drapery falls in cascading, flowing folds to the ground.

The expression on her face is filled with gentleness. Note the delicate position of her hands: one cradles Christ's head, the other rests, as if lightly touched, on her son's hands. He is adorned with long, wavy hair. He rests in complete and trusting surrender on the Virgin's lap.

The dynamic interplay of the drapery, the anatomical emphasis on the muscles of Christ's torso, and the serene expressions on their faces imbue this sculpture with a moving and refined power.

The iconographic theme of the Pietà appeared in the 14th century in Germanic countries, and more specifically within women's monasteries where the suffering Christ and his mother, the Virgin of Mercy, were venerated. It subsequently spread throughout Europe, becoming one of the major subjects of European sculpture in the 15th and early 16th centuries.

Dimensions: W. 58 cm x H. 61 cm x D. 24 cm

France

Softwood

Traces of polychromy

15th century