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

Madonna and Child, Sedes Sapientiae

Italy, 13th century
Carved softwood, original polychrome paint, hollowed-out back

This remarkable Madonna and Child, known as Sedes Sapientiae (‘Throne of Wisdom’ in Latin), depicts the Virgin Mary seated, holding the Infant Jesus on her lap. Through this posture, Mary becomes the throne of Wisdom incarnate in Christ, a central theme in medieval iconography.

The side elements depicting the throne are later additions, likely made following damage caused by wood-boring insects. The original polychromy is preserved, whilst the Virgin’s left hand has been restored.

The work exudes a very powerful presence, combining serenity and monumentality despite its modest dimensions, and bears witness to the refinement of religious sculpture in central Italy in the 13th century, probably in Umbria.

Dimensions: height 0.68 m; width (including the throne) 0.26 m.

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