French
Virgin and Child
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Virgin and Child” now? Art Institute of Chicago, Gallery 236, Chicago. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
Chicago, United States
Closed· opens tomorrow at 11:00 AM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
This seated Virgin and Child was carved in the middle of the 13th century, a time when private devotional practices became increasingly popular. In bedchambers or in small oratories, private domestic spaces set aside for prayer, images like this would have served as focal points for prayer and meditation. During the High Middle Ages, the Virgin was revered as a powerful intercessor between humanity and Christ. At the same time, she was also worshipped as the Queen of Heaven. Although the Virgin’s crown has been damaged and the gesture of her right hand is no longer clear, the figure group combines austere majesty and tenderness.
Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0
Details
- Accession number
- 1971.786
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0
