6.6 Women as Religious Figures

6.6 Women as Religious Figures

Virgin and Child (Morgan Madonna), France, second half 12th century; painted wood, approx. 2.5'

In this era of strict religious doctrines, large freestanding sculptures were considered idols which was not aligned with the Second Commandment.

- small sculptures or vessels for relics were acceptable.

- this small wooden sculpture of the Madonna holding her infant son, Jesus, known as the Morgan Madonna.

- her growing popularity where people see a softer side to Christianity with the depiction of this loving mother (in contrast to her son in Last Judgment scenes, for instance).

-On her lap, baby Jesus holds a bible as a symbol of divine wisdom while his other hand would've shown a blessing gesture (both hands missing).

-So this statue is considered a "throne of wisdom" Madonna because her lap is Christ's throne. 

This sculpture would've been painted originally, but much like the art we saw in both the Byzantine and HIberno-Saxon worlds, there's a strong use of line in the stylized repeat folds of the holy family's robes. A cavity within Mary's shoulder (rear) likely made this a reliquary.

Hildegard receives  her visions, Germany, ca. 1150-1179.

five tongues of fire reaching down from above to her head as she dictates the visions on a wax tablet. A monk is there as well, showing that he will take her notations and transfer them to a manuscript.

.

.

.

.