Virgin and Child from Longchamp abbey

Madonna and Child
Former Longchamp abbey, 
near Paris 
Parisian workshops, 
mid-15th century
Marble
Cl. 18762

In her left hand, the standing Virgin carries the infant Jesus holding a bird by its wings, while in her right hand she holds a branch. The Virgin wears a flowered crown over the veil which reaches her forearms and covers her hair. Carved in marble, highlighted in gold, the statue resumes the tendencies of 15th century sculpture: extreme refinement, obtained through the artistic, simple and subtle treatment of the material. The Madonna and Child theme, one of the most popular of the 14th century, offers a wide range of choice in expressing the relationship between Baby Jesus and his mother.