The Cleveland Museum of Art Special Exhibitions Dukes & Angels

  Dukes and Angels > International Highlights > Seated Virgin and Child, c. 1415-17
 
 
Seated Virgin and Child, c. 1415-17
Polychromed limestone; H. 135 cm
Claus de Werve
(Netherlandish, active Burgundy, died 1439)
New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, inv.33.23


Seated Virgin and Child, c. 1415-17

This enthroned Virgin and Child is among the finest works of Claus de Werve. The Virgin's hair and the dramatic folds of her mantle provide a striking example of Burgundian sculpture as it emerged under Claus Sluter and Claus de Werve in the period of the first two dukes. The piece retains its original color. It was presented to the Convent of the Poor Clares at Poligny in Burgundy by Duke John the Fearless. The convent itself was established by the duke at his wife's urging. The sculpture was probably commissioned between June 1415 and October 1417, when the duke donated land and buildings.

Page 6 of 6 | On the next page: St. Michael Leading the Souls of the Dead, Crushing the Demon, c.1415-30