The Virgin

This statuette is by an unknown flemish artist from the 16th century and is made of carved boxwood sitting on a carved base of ebonised wood.

It represents the Virgin Mary standing with her head raised, her hands thrown out in a gesture of grief.

Ebonising is a technique used to stain or finish-black wood in imitation of ebony.

Ebony is one of the most intensely black woods. Its very high density (it sinks in water), fine texture, and ability to be polished very smoothly, makes it a very valuable ornamental wood.