Figure

Date1700-1799

MediumIvory

DimensionsObject/Work: 55 x 100 x 175 mm

ClassificationsSculpture

Terms

Object numberC01203

DescriptionIvory figure of the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon. The remains of gilding and paint can still be seen on the hair, cloak and dress.

This imagery was popular in the 18th century, especially on the Iberian Peninsula, and is referred to as the 'Virgin of the Immaculate Conception'. The idea came from St John the Evangelist, who described his vision of the Virgin in Revelations 12:1 as ‘a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet’.

This statue exhibits features of the Indo-Portuguese style of the 18th century, especially the round, bulbous face, almond-shaped eyes, hair parted in the middle, and the cloak thrown behind the shoulders and caught up in the Virgin’s elbows.

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