ATTRIBUÉ AU SCULPTEUR MICHEL LOURDEL (1577 1676)

ATTRIBUÉ AU SCULPTEUR MICHEL LOURDEL (1577 1676)

VIERGE À L'ENFANT Normandie, Rouen, end of the 16th century
Oak
H. 99 cm, W. 35 cm, D. 23 cm
Good state of preservation, restoration of use and maintenance
This sculptor and painter worked in Rouen at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century.
The Virgin is depicted standing with her two hands, and the child Jesus blessing the world with his right hand. The artist has taken great care in rendering the clothes, which are supple and graceful. Similarly, the wide folds and volumes of the mantle that the Virgin brings in front in an apron and holds with her arms tightly against her bust, not only reflect the skill of the artist, but also refer to the symbols. In fact, the mantle of Mary thus arranged draws around the Baby Jesus a real sacred mandorla or a touching evocation of the virginal womb. The feminine face, with a fine nose and small lips, remains inaccessible and melancholic. Marie wears a closed crown at the top of her skull, whose tight silhouette is reminiscent of the style of crowns worn at the French court during the 16th and
17th centuries.
Note the delightful movement of the wavy hair that unfolds around the face and caresses the Virgin Mary's shoulders. Automatically translated by DeepL. To see the original version, click here.