Virgin and Child
Author: Unknown
Origin: Portugal
Dating: 16th century
Material: Limestone
Dimensions (cm): 60 x Ø 65
Inv. no.: PD0097
The Virgin is dressed in a blue cloak with golden adornments. Her right shoulder and arm are uncovered, showing a green tunic. She is holding the Child, with both arms, close to her. The Child has His arms open and His head is tilted upwards.
This is one of the many depictions of Mary of Nazareth cradling the Child – caressing Him tenderly. It is also one of the more cheerful depictions of Our Lady in Christian art, for most foreshadow what is to come – through the representations of the sorrowful Motherhood or the Pietà. This imagery has been instrumental in drawing the Blessed Virgin closer to the hearts of the faithful.
Typically, Mary is portrayed with a serious and even worried expression – as if anticipating the sorrows to come and the “sword” that would pierce Her heart. In these depictions, the Virgin often doesn’t look at the Child in her arms, and it is quite rare to see Her playing with Him. Instead, it is the Child who caresses her and smiles – reaching out to her. He seems to be trying to comfort Her, drawing Her away from Her sombre thoughts of the future: the redemption of humanity through His sacrifice [RÉAU, Louis (1957) Iconographie de l’art creétien, Paris: Presses Universitaires de France. Vol. 2. p.99].
