Poligny Virgin and Child

This monumental yet engagingly intimate image of the Virgin and Child was probably a gift of John the Fearless, duke of Burgundy (died 1419), or his wife Margaret of Bavaria (died 1424) to the convent they founded at Poligny dedicated to the Franciscan Order of Poor Clares. This is one of four large sculptures from Poligny in the Museum's collection. As court sculptor in Dijon, the influential artist Claus de Werve (active 1396–ca. 1439) created many works for his patrons, and this is certainly one of his masterpieces.

Metropolitan Museum of Art ~ more details ~ limestone carving with paint and gilding. This French antiquity is so very beautiful.




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