16th century, French school, Madonna with Child

16th century, French school

Madonna and Child

Painted and carved wood, 68 x 23 x 17 cm

This fascinating carved wooden sculpture, attributable to the French school of the 16th century, presents us with a representation of the Virgin with the Child, an iconographic theme of profound and lasting resonance in the history of Christian art. The statue stands out for its formal elegance and the delicacy of the details of the original polychromy. The Virgin is depicted in an erect and composed posture, with an aura of majesty and tenderness. Her face expresses a sweet serenity, with soft features and slightly closed eyes that seem to contemplate the Child she holds in her arms. Her head is adorned with a rich carved crown, typical of the sculptural representation of Virgins in the French area since the Gothic period, a symbol of her celestial royalty and her role as Queen of Heaven, which adds an element of pomp to the composition. The hair is delicately sculpted and falls to the sides of the face. The Madonna's robes are an element of great interest. The drapery is masterfully rendered, creating deep and fluid folds that give volume and movement to the figure. We can see traces of what must have been a lively polychromy: an inner garment of a warm color, perhaps red or orange, emerges from under a larger cloak, probably a pastel green-blue or grey-blue, which envelops his figure. The edges of the garments are embellished with subtle gold decorations, a sign of attention to detail and a desire to ennoble the figure. The Child Jesus is held on the Virgin's left arm, in a natural and affectionate position. He too wears a simple garment that reveals his childish form. His expression is that of a child blessing or looking towards the observer, establishing a visual connection. His proportions are typical of the representation of the Child of the period, with a certain gravitas that foretells his destiny. The statue stands on an elaborate base, which contributes to its stability and enhances its verticality. The base has moldings and probably traces of gilding, indicating that this part too was cared for in the smallest details to elevate the sacred figure.

Overall, this carved wooden Madonna is an absolutely significant example of the skill of 16th-century French craftsmen. It combines religious devotion with remarkable artistic refinement, testifying to the beauty and spirituality that these works were able to evoke in the faithful and in the a