Description:
The Virgin and Child (Virgin of Paris) in Notre-Dame is a sophisticated, demure piece, as it depicts a stoic Madonna, standing in a sconce on the famous cathedral, holding her child. She wears a large, ornate crown above her head, while her toga flows modestly around her. In her right hand, she holds a goblet, while in her left arm she holds the infant Christ. Christ is depicted as looking like a small adult, as opposed to a pure infant, though his face is still cherubic and innocent. The Christ’s tiny arms are outstretched, reaching past her for the goblet with one hand while holding a ball in the other Both Virgin and Child hold a very still, peaceful countenance, as the figures are not extremely expressive. Mary’s hair is not overly long, and is curly, much like the short-cropped hair of the child. Both figures are looking past each other – Christ at the cup, Mary out into the middle distance. Her robe bunches where it seems to catch the arm that holds Christ.
Analysis:
The color palette of the sculpture is fairly muted, so all elements of the Virgin and Child take on a stately gray that matches the cathedral around it. The sculpture itself is extremely Gothic, with an elegance and sophistication typical of the era. Curves and lines are simplified and deepened; the curves in the fabric of their robes make it so that deep shadows can be created, indicating a contrast between light and dark. The long lines in the robe, furthermore, serve to elongate Mary’s body and make her seem tall and mighty. The textures of the sculpture are extremely smooth and shapely, softening the features of both mother and child and making them seem gentle. These long lines are contrasted with rounder shapes to provide interesting juxtaposition; the lines of the robe are occasionally interrupted by the globes of both Mary’s and Christ’s faces, as well as the spherical ball Christ holds in his hand. Mary’s body has a lightness that comes from this extension, making her seem fragile yet worthy of respect.
Interpretation:
The message inherent to the piece is of the gentleness, yet divine authority, of the Virgin and Child. Mary’s crown is enormous and powerful-looking, so its presence indicates the need to respect her authority. The longness and fragility of the figure indicates her human nature, and also brings about a sense of peace as she cares for her child. The child, meanwhile, seems wise beyond his years, and the globe he holds symbolizes the world. Christ literally holds the world in his hands, and his mother cares for him; this depiction of them expresses their status as the queen and prince of all of existence.
Judgment:
The stateliness and elegance of “Virgin and Child” will stand the test of time, primarily due to its stateliness and elegance. Unlike other depictions of Christ, this one brings the mother and Christ together in a very nurturing, softened relationship that still conveys the power of their positions. The sophistication and regality of the Gothic style allows both figures to convey a gentle authority that is both respected and admired. The globe Christ holds in his childlike hands is a reminder of our own childlike natures, and the benevolence with which he is meant to govern our world. I believe this is a successful piece of art, given its ability to convey so many different elements of Christ at once.
References
Kleiner, F.S. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages: A Concise History of Western Art.
