18
Early Renaissance Spanish Madonna & Child in Majesty
Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
Sold
$7,500
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
This exceptional early Renaissance Spanish School sculpture of the Madonna and Child in Majesty is a superb example of polychrome and gilded wood carving from the 14th to 15th century, likely originating from Castile or Aragon. Retaining much of its original polychromy, this remarkable piece embodies the transition from the Romanesque tradition to the more refined Gothic and early Renaissance styles that shaped Spanish religious art. The Virgin Mary, enthroned and crowned as the Queen of Heaven, holds an apple, symbolizing her role as the New Eve and the redemption of humankind. The Christ Child sits upon her lap, presenting the Holy Book while raising His hand in a traditional gesture of blessing, reinforcing the sacred bond between mother and son in Christian iconography.
This sculpture illustrates the stylistic evolution occurring in Spain during this period, bridging the sacred formality of the Romanesque with the increasing expressiveness of Gothic and early Renaissance art. In earlier Romanesque traditions, religious figures were depicted with rigid, hieratic forms, emphasizing divine authority over naturalism. In contrast, this sculpture moves toward Gothic sensibilities, evident in the Virgin's more individualized and serene expression, the subtle modeling of her facial features, and the graceful articulation of drapery folds.
The Christ Child also displays a departure from rigid formality. While still slightly stylized, His raised blessing hand and delicate gestures suggest a move away from the static, miniature-adult depictions of earlier periods toward a more naturalistic portrayal. The throne upon which the Madonna sits, adorned with geometric and floral motifs, incorporates elements of Hispano-Moorish artistic influence, reflecting the unique synthesis of Christian and Islamic design elements that flourished in Castile and Aragon during the Gothic period. The sculpture's polychrome and gilding further reinforce this transitional quality, particularly in its use of the estofado technique, where layers of gold leaf were overpainted and incised to reveal intricate patterns. This decorative approach, associated with later Gothic and early Renaissance Spanish sculpture, highlights the increasing technical and artistic sophistication of Spanish woodcarving workshops.
The broader historical context of this work aligns with Spain's evolving artistic landscape during the late Middle Ages. Unlike Italy, where classical marble statuary became dominant, Spain remained deeply committed to intricately carved and lavishly painted wooden sculptures, emphasizing their sacred presence within churches and religious institutions. Devotional imagery such as this Madonna and Child in Majesty served as a focal point for worship, reinforcing the theological role of the Virgin as the intercessor between humanity and Christ. By the 14th and 15th centuries, Spanish sculptors had absorbed Gothic influences from France and the Low Countries, particularly through Burgundian and Flemish artists, leading to a synthesis of styles that maintained Gothic verticality while introducing more naturalistic facial expressions and drapery treatments.
Issued: Circa 15th century
Dimensions: 16"L x 10"W x 40"H
Country of Origin: Spain
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
This sculpture illustrates the stylistic evolution occurring in Spain during this period, bridging the sacred formality of the Romanesque with the increasing expressiveness of Gothic and early Renaissance art. In earlier Romanesque traditions, religious figures were depicted with rigid, hieratic forms, emphasizing divine authority over naturalism. In contrast, this sculpture moves toward Gothic sensibilities, evident in the Virgin's more individualized and serene expression, the subtle modeling of her facial features, and the graceful articulation of drapery folds.
The Christ Child also displays a departure from rigid formality. While still slightly stylized, His raised blessing hand and delicate gestures suggest a move away from the static, miniature-adult depictions of earlier periods toward a more naturalistic portrayal. The throne upon which the Madonna sits, adorned with geometric and floral motifs, incorporates elements of Hispano-Moorish artistic influence, reflecting the unique synthesis of Christian and Islamic design elements that flourished in Castile and Aragon during the Gothic period. The sculpture's polychrome and gilding further reinforce this transitional quality, particularly in its use of the estofado technique, where layers of gold leaf were overpainted and incised to reveal intricate patterns. This decorative approach, associated with later Gothic and early Renaissance Spanish sculpture, highlights the increasing technical and artistic sophistication of Spanish woodcarving workshops.
The broader historical context of this work aligns with Spain's evolving artistic landscape during the late Middle Ages. Unlike Italy, where classical marble statuary became dominant, Spain remained deeply committed to intricately carved and lavishly painted wooden sculptures, emphasizing their sacred presence within churches and religious institutions. Devotional imagery such as this Madonna and Child in Majesty served as a focal point for worship, reinforcing the theological role of the Virgin as the intercessor between humanity and Christ. By the 14th and 15th centuries, Spanish sculptors had absorbed Gothic influences from France and the Low Countries, particularly through Burgundian and Flemish artists, leading to a synthesis of styles that maintained Gothic verticality while introducing more naturalistic facial expressions and drapery treatments.
Issued: Circa 15th century
Dimensions: 16"L x 10"W x 40"H
Country of Origin: Spain
Provenance: John and Johanna Bass Collection, New York, NY; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL, 1963.
Condition
Age related wear.