Madonna and Child

Abstract

To the right of the apse behind the high altar of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome stands a polychrome wood sculpture of the Virgin and Child enthroned, of unknown origin or date. Based on stylistic features, it appears to date from the fourteenth century.

The Virgin holds out her hand; she may have held an object, such as a fruit. The Virgin’s hand is missing two fingers. The Christ Child raises his right hand in a gesture of blessing.

The polychromy is in poor condition, and the extensive wood damage at the back of the head suggests significant age and exposure. The sculpture rests on a modern base, which may indicate that it was once part of a larger sculptural group where the Virgin was originally seated on a throne.

Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.