This small sculpture was made of boxwood. This tree, used today to decorate gardens, produces very hard wood. However, the trunk's small diameter means it can only be used for small figures like this one.
Once polished, boxwood takes on a glossy appearance that can remind us of ivory work. And ivories are what the statuette has been compared to: the slight hips of the Virgin, the drapes with their fine, stiff folds, and the delicate expression on the face can be compared to the production of Paris and northern France during the last quarter of the 13th century.
While the fine sculptural work is commendable, its state of conservation demonstrates the eventful history of this work...
Look at the figure of the Virgin, for example. Do you notice something missing ? She has no right arm ! The same goes for Christ's left arm and head. They were probably lost due to vandalism...
Now look at the lower part of the sculpture. It looks like it's been cut! The work, originally slimmer, may have undergone some alteration, such as a flood or insect infestation, which prompted its then-owner to saw it off.
Finally, you can see a small cavity dug into the Virgin's robe. It was originally used to house a relic. The piece of wood that concealed it has been lost. Given all these twists and turns, it’s a miracle it’s survived at all !
Inv. A 59
This small sculpture was made of boxwood. This tree, used today to decorate gardens, produces very hard wood. However, the trunk's small diameter means it can only be used for small figures like this one.
Once polished, boxwood takes on a glossy appearance that can remind us of ivory work. And ivories are what the statuette has been compared to: the slight hips of the Virgin, the drapes with their fine, stiff folds, and the delicate expression on the face can be compared to the production of Paris and northern France during the last quarter of the 13th century.
While the fine sculptural work is commendable, its state of conservation demonstrates the eventful history of this work...
Look at the figure of the Virgin, for example. Do you notice something missing ? She has no right arm ! The same goes for Christ's left arm and head. They were probably lost due to vandalism...
Now look at the lower part of the sculpture. It looks like it's been cut! The work, originally slimmer, may have undergone some alteration, such as a flood or insect infestation, which prompted its then-owner to saw it off.
Finally, you can see a small cavity dug into the Virgin's robe. It was originally used to house a relic. The piece of wood that concealed it has been lost. Given all these twists and turns, it’s a miracle it’s survived at all !
Inv. A 59
