The Virgin and Child c. 15th century

This small, anonymous bronze sculpture depicts the Virgin and Child, likely made for private devotion. The flowing robes, the crown on Mary’s head, and the intimate embrace between mother and child all speak to the complex religious and social environment in which it was created. Without knowing its precise origins, we can still place this artwork within a broader tradition of Christian art. Visual representations of the Virgin Mary gained prominence during the medieval period, reflecting the growing importance of the Catholic Church as a central institution in Europe, as well as the theological emphasis on Mary’s role as intercessor. The use of bronze indicates its value, and would have served as a visual aid to prayer, reinforcing religious beliefs and social hierarchies. Art historians rely on a range of resources, from theological texts to economic records, to understand the function of an artwork like this within its specific time and place. It reminds us that art’s meaning is always shaped by the social and institutional context in which it is made and used.