The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of October 5, 2022

Madonna and Child

c. 1400–1410

Bohemia, vicinity of Freistadt, 15th century

Lindenwood with polychromy

Overall: 59.1 cm (23 1/4 in.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin 1959.339

Location

not on view

Description

This sculpture belongs to a type known as a Schöne Madonna or "Beautiful Virgin," popularized in central Europe during the late 1300s and early 1400s. The Virgin’s stance adheres to an S-curve as she stands with one leg straight and the other slightly bent at the knee. Her body is hidden beneath long, voluminous, draping garments. These so-called Beautiful Madonnas are among the most popular creations of Bohemian art and were in high demand for churches and private veneration.

Provenance
Mr. and Mrs. Severance A. Millikin, Cleveland, Ohio.
Citations
Cleveland Museum of Art, “Recent Acquisition Press Release,” July 20, 1960, Cleveland Museum of Art Archives. archive.org
Cleveland Museum of Art, “Recent Acquisition Press Release,” November 3, 1960, Cleveland Museum of Art Archives. archive.org
Williamson, Paul. The Wyvern Collection: Medieval and Renaissance Sculpture and Metalwork. London: Thames & Hudson, 2018. CMA Mention: p. 172
Exhibition history

Gothic Art 1360-1440. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (August 6-September 15, 1963).

Juxtapositions. The Cleveland Museum of Art (September 11-October 10, 1965).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1959.339