Artwork Page for Enthroned Virgin and Child

Details / Information for Enthroned Virgin and Child

Enthroned Virgin and Child

c. 1480

Gil de Siloé

(Spanish, active c. 1475–1505)
Culture
Spain, Burgos, 15th century
Medium
alabaster with traces of gilding and polychromy
Measurements
Overall: 31.5 x 22.5 x 16 cm (12 3/8 x 8 7/8 x 6 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 2008.145
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
110B Late Gothic
Print
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Did You Know?

This sculpture was possibly made for Queen Isabella, the Spanish ruler who sponsored Christopher Columbus.

Description

The seated Virgin Mary with Christ is one of the most popular themes in Christian art of the Middle Ages. Alabaster was an ideal material to depict the fleshiness of Jesus, the lush folds of Mary’s cloak, and the fine details of the throne and gown. Christ is reaching for something in his mother’s hand that is now unrecognizable because alabaster tends to break or wear away quickly. It may have been a book or a piece of fruit. Given its small size, it is likely that this sculpture was intended for private use.
A sculpture in alabaster, a translucent, beige mineral, depicting the Virgin Mary and nude baby Christ seated on a throne. The rectangular back of the chair extends to the top of Mary's head. She wears a garment with deep folds completely covering her legs, Christ sitting on her right knee and reaching for her extended left hand, whatever their hands held broken away. Traces of gilding detail their hair and a belt around Mary's waist.

Enthroned Virgin and Child

c. 1480

Gil de Siloé

(Spanish, active c. 1475–1505)
Spain, Burgos, 15th century

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