About this artwork
The arched frame around the relief sculpture of the Virgin Mary, who supports the standing Christ Child, enhances the illusion of their appearance at a window. They would have seemed more naturalistic and striking to contemporary viewers because the terracotta clay (baked earth) the relief is made from was originally painted in bright colours. The Christ Child raises his hand in blessing and looks outwards towards the viewer. Devotional reliefs of this type were popularised by Donatello and were attached to interior and exterior walls.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Unknown
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title:Virgin and Child
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date created:15th century
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attributed to:
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materials:Terracotta
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measurements:Height: 149.00 cm (including frame) 74.00 x 36.00 cm (Case size: 137.16 x 106.68 x 30.48 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased by the Patrons of the National Galleries of Scotland 1997
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accession number:NG 2665
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gallery:
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depicted:
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subject:
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