Art in Thirteenth Century England (ft. My Sketch)

  

Enthroned Virgin and Child                                                                                     My Version

ca. 1300 England                                                                                        ca. 2015 United States

Elephant ivory, 10 3/4 x 5 5/16 x 3 3/4 in.                                             Sketchbook paper, 9 x 112 in.                 

The Enthroned Virgin and Child was created in thirteenth century England, a century that was met with conflict and political growth. The loss of Normandy to France in 1204 and the Barons' War in 1258 were among some of the dark conflict seen in England during this time. However, Edward I's establishment of English influence over the Scots in the late 1200s showed a growth in England's political and cultural reign in Northern Europe (Holtei).

Religion was also another important aspect in thirteenth century England. Many believed that Christianity could help solve the negativity and fraudulence that filled the world. In this case, Christianity was seen as a positive and helpful source that could possibly quell the world's problems. During this time, there was also a shift from worshiping at the church to more personal worship and devotion (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Though many still attended church, statuettes such as the Enthroned Virgin and Child were very popular uses of personal devotion to the Virgin Mary. However, the Enthroned Virgin and Child is one of only a few surviving pieces of artwork from thirteenth century England.

The focal point of this entire piece is the Virgin Mary. She is the most important part of the piece because during this time, English followers would worship to the Virgin as a way to show devotion to Christianity (Metropolitan Museum of Art). This Virgin Mary is carved out of elephant ivory, a shiny piece of material that is normally a natural beige color. But due to how long this statue has survived, the ivory has darkened into a reddish-brown color. In certain areas where light hits the statuette, the light seems to be brighten the ivory, making it seem as if those areas are glowing. The Virgin's eyes are downcast, and it appears that she is staring at the empty space on her lap where infant Christ would normally be resting (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The statuette's posture is relaxed, evoking a sense of tenderness that helps compliment the tranquil and solemn expression on the Virgin's face.

The unknown artist was very meticulous in choosing a tranquil expression and a relaxed posture to present the Virgin. I think the use of tenderness and calmness to create the Virgin helps to personify a gentle creature, which is what the Virgin Mary embodies.

Sources

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1979.402

http://user.phil-fak.uni-duesseldorf.de/~holteir/companion/Navigation/History/The_13th_Century/the_13th_century.html

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/religion/culture/background.php