Ir al contenido principal

Virgin and Child Sheltering Supplicants Under Her Cloak (work of art)

Información sobre la obra de arte

Creado
circa 1470
Artista
Peter Koellin
Nacionalidad
Alemán
Nacimiento/Muerte
active 1450-1475
Dimensiones
57 x 32 x 9 1/2 inches (144.8 x 81.3 x 24.1 centimeters)

Crédito

Gift of R. J. Reynolds Industries Inc.

Número de objeto
G.61.13.1
Cultura
Alemán europeo
Clasificación
Escultura
Departamento
Europeo a 1910

Key Ideas

  • The Virgin Mary is depicted as the “Madonna of Mercy” who protects faithful Catholics. 
  • This sculpture is carved out of lindenwood painted with gold and silver leaf. During the 15th century, these would have been very expensive art materials.
  • This depiction of the Virgin Mary was a common religious symbol in monastic orders (places where monks live and pray) and charities. She is depicted as a person who helps and protects people.
  • Symbols that identify the Virgin Mary include the gold fleurs-de-lis (lily flowers), the colors of her clothing, and the crescent moon on which she stands.

Más información

The image of the Virgin Mary protecting faithful Catholics under her cloak is known as the “Madonna of Mercy.” The term refers to the Virgin Mary’s role in Catholic theology as an intercessor, or someone who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer. She is always ready to plead to Christ for mercy on behalf of those in physical or spiritual distress. In the Middle Ages, the Madonna of Mercy was popular among members of monastic orders (monks) as well as charities made up of men with nonreligious jobs.

This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary sheltering members of the spiritual estate on one side of her cloak: a pope, a cardinal, and a bishop can be identified by their distinctive hats. On the other side are members of the secular estate, including an emperor and knights. Held up high against his mother’s chest and shoulder, the Christ Child makes a gesture of blessing and holds an apple. The apple symbolizes his role as the “New Adam” who saves humankind from the consequences of sin.

Mary’s white gown is lined with blue and decorated with gold fleurs-de-lis (lily flowers) as symbols of her purity. She stands on a crescent moon covered in a layer of silver leaf. Most of the silver leaf has worn away, revealing a layer of red paint beneath the metal. The moon symbolizes Mary’s role as the Queen of Heaven. It also represents the vision of the “Apocalyptic Woman” described in the Revelation of St. John: “A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Revelation 12:1).

tags: symbolism, pattern, ritual, power, order, meaning, interdependence

Recursos adicionales

Recursos para los profesores: 

 

Recursos para los estudiantes:

Imágenes

  • A wooden sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ child, who is bestowing a blessing on the viewer. Under her cloak Mary shelters dozens of faithful believers.

    Virgin and Child Sheltering Supplicants Under Her Cloak