Terms and conditions of use
Virgin and Christ child, leaf from a diptych
(1350-1375)
Medium
ivory
Measurements
9.3 × 6.9 × 0.7 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1930
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Small folding diptychs of carved ivory were popular objects of personal devotional prayer and meditation among wealthy elites in the later Middle Ages. This leaf depicts the Virgin, enthroned and crowned as Queen of Heaven, holding the Christ child who raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing. The pair is surrounded by angels playing musical instruments, and the whole scene is surmounted by Gothic arches. A second carved leaf was once joined to the right of this one, and probably depicted the Crucifixion of Christ. Images of the Virgin and child and the Crucifixion were common pairings on these objects.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(Rhineland), Germany
Inscription
none
Accession Number
3215-D3
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited