Virgin

The scene of the Coronation of the Virgin first appeared in the middle of the 1100s. It celebrates the Virgin’s status as the Queen of Heaven. Representations of it became increasingly widespread as the Virgin’s popularity grew. Devotion to her was connected with her perceived powers of intercession on behalf of sinners. She also had a particular appeal for women, especially mothers. Numerous churches and cathedrals were dedicated to the Virgin between the 1100s and the 1300s. A sculpture of the Coronation often appears above their entrances.

This figure gives some idea of the original opulence of much medieval sculpture. It is true that the painted decoration has been abraded and lost in places. But enough remains to show the refined painting technique and the love of surface enrichment. The Virgin’s face is painted especially delicately. Her draperies are adorned by raised gesso and inlaid decoration of false gems. The oval hollow in her chest probably once contained a relic covered by rock crystal.