Statue of the Virgin and Child composed of movable panels. The panels are open, revealing a scene with God the Father holding the Cross of Christ.

Opening Madonna, Cl. 12060 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

3D

Detail of a gilded panel with hinges depicting God the Father holding the Cross of Christ. Front view.

Opening Madonna, Cl. 12060 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Painted panel with a gold background. Six figures looking to their left. Front view.

Opening Madonna, Cl. 12060 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Painted panel with a gold background. Six figures looking to their right. Front view.

Opening Madonna, Cl. 12060 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Statue of the Virgin and Child. Gilded paint. Front view on a neutral background.

Opening Madonna, Cl. 12060 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Opening Madonna

or shrine Madonna

Description

On display - room 13

14th century - 15th century

Late Middle Ages

This opening Madonna is perhaps a commission from the order of the Teutonic knights, which was placed under its protection. It is a testament to the growing fervour of devotion to the Virgin Mary in the early 15th century.

Closed, the Virgin holds the Child. Once opened, it shows the Trinity in the form of God the Father supporting the body of his Son Jesus Christ. This representation is called "Throne of Grace".

This type of image, condemned as idolatrous by the Reformists, was banned in the middle of the 16th century.
 

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century