Virgin and Child
Jan van Doorne III
(1616–1683)
about 1640
Object PlaceMalines, Flanders
Medium/TechniqueWood, boxwood
Dimensions21.6 x 8 x 5.7 cm (8 1/2 x 3 1/8 x 2 1/4 in.)
Credit LineGift of John Goelet in honor of Hanns Swarzenski
Accession number1976.844
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
This standing Virgin and Child has great elegance and style. The small sculpture is both imposing and charming, from the Virgin’s expansive hairstyle and her necklace of pearls and precious stone, to her elaborately draped clothing and the ease with which she supports the Christ Child on her thigh. Christ holds a bunch of grapes, which surely refers to the Eucharist, yet the overall effect is one of calm regality, which would have been further emphasized by the Virgin’s crown which is now missing.
ProvenanceBefore 1966, Mathias Komor (b. 1909 - d. 1984), New York; by March 1966, sold by Mathias Komor to John Goelet, New York; 1976, gift of John Goelet to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 12, 1977)
first half of 16th century
second quarter of 17th century
about 1580
early 17th century
18th century
late 17th century