Virgin and Child 1545 - 1565

This Virgin and Child was created by the Atelier of the Juliots, and it's made of limestone. The soft, porous nature of limestone lends itself to fine carving. And you can see that in the delicate drapery, and the tender faces of the mother and child. Yet, limestone is also relatively easy to extract from the earth, making it a practical choice for workshops like the Juliots. These ateliers were essentially small factories, producing religious images for a growing market. The repetition inherent in this kind of production also influenced the aesthetic. While skillfully executed, the figures have a certain standardized quality, reflecting the economies of scale at play. So, next time you see a medieval sculpture, consider not just the artistry, but also the labor and the economic forces that shaped its creation. It's a reminder that even the most sacred images are products of their time.