ADVENT CALENDAR DAY 23This 15th-century limestone sculpture of Mary holding the Christ Child was mad

ADVENT CALENDAR DAY 23

This 15th-century limestone sculpture of Mary holding the Christ Child was made in France. Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, PA, 09.SP.114.

This 15th-century limestone sculpture in Glencairn’s Great Hall features Mary, who is slightly less than life-size, standing and holding the Christ Child. She wears a crown and veil, and a mantle over her gown, which is girdled at the waist. This statue explores the earthly aspects of the relationship between the Christ Child and His mother. Mary looks tenderly toward the infant Child, who returns her gaze. In classic Gothic style, these figures engage each other through their eyes and gestures. With His right hand, Jesus touches her breast, and clasps her neck with His left hand. Sculptures of Mary standing with the Child in her arms was a major development in imagery that occurred in the 13th century. It evolved from both theological and artistic innovations, and is a major contrast with the earlier, more rigid Romanesque style.

Every day, from December 1 through December 25, a new work of Nativity art from the Glencairn Museum collection will appear on the home page of our Advent calendar (Follow the Star: A 2021 Advent Calendar). To receive these in your newsfeed, follow our social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr).