Description
The crowned Virgin is seated in a frontal posture on a sedia, as was customary in the 13th century for the Sedes Sapientae. She represents the throne of Wisdom incarnate in her son Jesus, whom she presents to Christianity.
With her right hand, she holds an apple, while with her left hand, she presents the child Jesus, seated on her left lap, in the same frontal posture.
The Virgin’s red robe, bordered at the edges, belted with a cord at the waist and with fitted sleeves, flares out to reveal her small feet. The blue mantle, adorned with golden stars, covering her shoulders returns in a panel at the front. The elongated folds of the clothing place this sculpture early in its era.
The child, also crowned, wears a long tunic reminiscent of his mother’s robe. He raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing and holds the world with the other. As for the face, the resemblance to the Virgin is most striking.
The group is sculpted in the model of the double throne: Mary seated on the throne of God, is herself the living throne of Christ. Light, this Virgin in Majesty sculpture is intended to be moved in and out of the church during processions; and to be visible from all angles, hence its park-like three-dimensionality.
Since the 12th century, Spain and central France have specialized in these majestic figures, often giving them an imposing aspect. This gentler model undoubtedly belongs to this type of religious sculpture that encapsulates the essence of medieval art.
Literature :
Boccador Jacqueline, Medieval Statue Collection, Volume 1, Les Clefs du temps, 1972.