Gothic

This is a sculpture from the Gothic period that is depicting the Virgin Mary with Christ. She stands in a sort of s-curve posture, which was quite typically for Gothic sculpture. She and the Christ Child are both depicted in rich garments, and she is wearing a large crown. This sculpture shows Mary in a very different way. In previous works of art, Mary is usually shown in a humble or sorrowful way. Here, she is more than Christ’s mother; she is someone to be regarded and worshiped. However, it still follows along with the tradition of sculpting and painting holy women associated with Christ and the bible. Besides the new way that this sculpture depicts Mary, it also shows a more naturalistic side of her and Christ as well. Whereas many figures beforehand were shown flat with little dimension and unexpressive faces, here Mary’s stance and body are both idealistic and naturalistic at the same time.