The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 22, 2024

Standing Virgin

Standing Virgin

c. 1440–1450

follower of Claus de Werve

(Netherlandish, 1380–1439)
Overall: 104.8 cm (41 1/4 in.)

Description

This standing Virgin now lacks the child she once cradled in her left arm. The sculpture may have been damaged in the French Revolution by falling onto its face. It was carved from soft white limestone of a type known to be quarried at Asnières-lès-Dijon, near Champmol. The figure recalls many of the hallmarks of the style of Claus de Werve, a Netherlandish artist active at the court of Burgundy. The Virgin has a sweet, round face that is also smooth and fleshy, her eyelids droop pensively and she is engulfed in rich voluminous draperies that cascade in deep folds. This sculpture should be seen as a charming reflection of de Werve’s many Virgin and Child groups. It was probably carved by a follower closely acquainted with his style.
  • said to have been the long-standing property of a family near Dijon prior to its acquisition; (Ellin Mitchell Works of Art, New York).
  • Fliegel, Stephen N., Sophie Jugie, and Virginie Barthélémy. Art from the Court of Burgundy: The Patronage of Philip the Bold and John the Fearless 1364-1419 : Musée Des Beaux-Arts De Dijon, May 28-September 15, 2004, the Cleveland Museum of Art, October 24, 2004-January 9, 2005. [Dijon]: Musée des beaux-arts, 2004. Mentioned and reproduced: P. 339-340, no. 132
  • Dukes and Angels: Art from the Court of Burgundy (1364-1419). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (October 24, 2004-January 9, 2005).
    Year in Review for 1986. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 4-March 15, 1987).
    CMA 1987: "Year in Review 1986," Bulletin 74 (February 1987), p. 62, no. 20, repr. p. 51.
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; October 24, 2004-January 9, 2005. "Dukes and Angels: Art from the Court of Burgundy (1364-1419)."exh.cat.no.132, p.339, repr.p.340.
  • {{cite web|title=Standing Virgin|url=false|author=Claus de Werve|year=c. 1440–1450|access-date=22 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1986.92