Virgin with Child, Sedes Sapientiae , Italie, XIIIe s.

Virgin and Child “Sedes Sapientiae” (Throne of Wisdom in Latin), carved in soft wood on the back.

The Virgin Mary is depicted seated, holding the Infant Jesus on her lap: she thus serves as a throne for “wisdom,” embodied by Christ.

The two side elements representing the throne, added later, may be due to damage from a wood-boring insect attack.

Original polychromy; the Virgin’s left hand has been remade. A very fine piece.

Italy, probably Umbria, 13th century. Height 0.68m; width (with throne) 0.26m