Renaissance limestone statue of Virgin and child in France

A rare limestone figure group of the Virgin and child, south…
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A rare limestone figure group of the Virgin and child, south west France, circa 1530. 111 cm high, 36 cm wide, 26 cm deep. Renaissance and High Renaissance images of the Virgin and Child often emphasise the humanity of Christ and Mary?s maternal responses. The artist of this beautiful painted limestone statue carved the Christ Child, accordingly, with distinctively chubby and sleepy-looking features. He is also shown with a finger in his mouth as another purely naturalistic representation; emphasizing that he was, after all, a human baby. His left hand, however, grasps an apple. This refers symbolically to Adam and Eve?s transgression in the Garden of Eden and is intended to remind the viewer that Christ will be sacrificed in order to redeem humankind. Mary?s gaze suggests a prescient sorrow caused by her contemplation of her son?s fate. This poignant representation is balanced by the regal appearance of Mary. In France, especially, Mary was often depicted in a manner in keeping with courtly culture. Here, she therefore displays delicate, refined features. Her simple but voluminous red gown, tinged with gold and her tall decorative crown suggest an elegant nobility in keeping with her future as Queen of Heaven. This is balanced with her simple white veil that refers to her humility and virginity. Dr. Bronwyn Stocks

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  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.

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