Enthroned Virgin and Child
Unknown Artist
1225–50
Medium
copper: repoussé, gilded, engraved, chased; black glass beads; light turquoise enameled pearls
Dimensions
{"overall":{"height":0.219,"width":0.106,"depth":0.038}}
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Accession Number
1962.29
About this artwork
Both the Virgin and the Christ child are lavishly attired. Their mantle hems are engraved to create the illusion of being fur-lined, and turquoise enamel beads create "pearl"-studded decorative bands on the Virgin’s wrist, knee, and crown and on Christ’s collar. The similarity of their garments emphasizes the close relationship between the mother and child and their joint rule over the kingdom of heaven. Once part of a larger ensemble, this relief may have decorated an altar frontal, devotional ...