Terms and conditions of use
Madonna and Child
(c. 1680-1685)
Medium
polychromed, silvered and gilt limewood
Measurements
97.5 × 39.5 × 41.2 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1966
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Michael Zürn the Younger, was the last in a dynasty of sculptors who worked across Catholic southern Germany and Austria in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The Zürns brought a baroque flamboyance to their carving, specializing in flying draperies, twisting forms and limbs that extend into the viewer’s space. This limewood group was probably intended to be displayed in a high wall niche. From their raised position the Madonna and Child would have playfully drawn the viewer upwards into their sphere by means of gazes and reaching gestures towards the pear. The pear symbolises the fruit of Mary’s womb. The spiny branches on which it grows held associations with Christ’s eventual Passion.
Artwork Details
Accession Number
1459-D5
Department
International Sculpture
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