Medieval South Netherlands Brabant Limestone Sculpture of the Virgin and Child

Period: 1400-1500

Origin: Netherlands

Medium: Limestone

Literature: The carved Madonna’s of the 15th century, unlike those of the earlier medieval Gothic period, no longer contained relics in order to prove their validity as devotional images. Known as the ‘Beautiful Madonna’s’, these sculptures set new standards with their aesthetic refinement, and by their form alone were able to express the religious significance that had once been conveyed by the relic, which now became of secondary importance. Art became an indispensable aid to a believer’s religious devotion.