Scandinavian
The Virgin and Child, about 1350
Whale ivory, 12.1 cm (4 3/4 in.)
This is a Scandinavian miniature carved figure of the Virgin and Child. The ivory has taken on a uniformly light brownish tone. The figure of the Virgin sits on a backless stool holding the Child on her lap with her left arm. She wears a layered gown with many folds that reach to the floor, and she wears a crown with a head scarf that falls to her shoulders and over her upper back. Her head is tilted forward slightly with her eyes focused in and down. She has a prominent nose and a small mouth. Her right arm is held close to her body and her long fingers drape over the Child’s leg. The Child leans over the Virgin’s chest with both arms and holds her left breast to his mouth. He has long, thin appendages and tight ringlets over his head.
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.