Artwork
Virgin and Child Enthroned
Virgin and Child Enthroned is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1347 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, cradling the infant Jesus.
About this work
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and was accessioned in 2020 under the object number 2020.
The Virgin and Child Enthroned is dated to 1347 and is attributed to an anonymous Bohemian painter. The painting entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and was accessioned in 2020 under the object number 2020.209. It is presently held in the museum's collection.
Beyond these core facts, the sources do not provide further documentation regarding the original commission, intermediate ownership, or earlier provenance of the work prior to its acquisition by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Virgin and Child Enthroned is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Its accession number is 2020.209, as recorded in the museum’s catalogue data. The work is classified as a religious painting from 1347 and is attributed to an anonymous Bohemian painter. No exhibition history has been documented for this piece in the available sources.
Overview
This painting depicts the Virgin Mary seated on a throne, cradling the infant Jesus. Dressed in a blue robe and adorned with a golden crown, she presents a serene countenance. The elaborate red throne, embellished with intricate gold patterns, underscores her regal status.
The composition is set against an architectural backdrop rendered in warm hues, suggesting a sacred and grand interior space.
Subject & Meaning
The central figures, Mary and Christ, are presented in a traditional devotional pose. Mary's calm expression contrasts with the child's gesture, as he reaches towards her, symbolizing their intimate bond. The depiction of Mary enthroned and crowned emphasizes her role as the Queen of Heaven, while the Christ Child represents the divine presence, inviting contemplation and veneration from the viewer.
Technique & Style
The artwork demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail, particularly evident in the rich gold designs adorning both the Virgin's robes and the elaborate throne. These gilded elements not only convey opulence but also highlight the sacred importance of the subjects. The use of warm yellows and reds in the architectural background creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere, complementing the vibrant blue of Mary's drapery.
Context
This artwork belongs to the enduring art historical tradition of depicting the "Madonna and Child," a subject central to Christian art for centuries. The motif of the Virgin Mary enthroned with the infant Jesus served as a powerful visual aid for devotion, emphasizing her role as the Mother of God and intercessor. Such images were widely produced across various periods and regions, reflecting profound theological significance and artistic innovation.
Artist & collection
