Workshop of Jean Limousin I (Limoges, 1561 - 1610, Limoges)
The Madonna and Child with the Ten Virtues, late 16th century - early 17th century
Enamel on copper, 23.5 x 19.1 cm (9 1/4 x 7 1/2 in.)
This rectangular, vertical, enamel French piece depicts the Madonna and Child with Ten Virtues. Mary is at the center holding the Christ Child who is facing you. Mary is dressed in deep blue robes, has long blonde hair and wears a jeweled crown. Behind her is a gold oval with rays radiating outward. The Christ Child is also dressed in blue, has a halo and his right hand raised, as if imparting a blessing. Mary wears sandals and stands on a blue arc at the base of a thick stem of a vine. There are ten long-haired female figures surrounding Mary. Each holds a scroll identifying her virtue and wears a long dress: Purity in white, Prudence in deep red, Humility in dark grey, Faithful in gold, Devout in dark blue, Obedience in white, Poverty in Dark Blue, Patience in brown, Charity in yellow and Compassion in dark brown with white flecks throughout. The background is dark blue with gold stars, white flowers and green vines. There is a long white banner and heart-shaped shield across the bottom with Latin text. The frame has two parts; a small gold frame surrounded by a larger plain wood frame. There is a scrap of paper on the back that has handwriting on it.
Long Gallery
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.