Statuary - Black Madonna Of Puy-en-velay, Black Madonna In Majesty - High Period - Popular Art

Second half of the 17th century French School Vellave Private collection: Clermont-Ferrand - Puy-de-Dôme (63) Exhibited at the Baptistère Saint-Jean in 1983. This sculptural group of the Black Madonna in majesty is a remarkable example of religious art of the 17th century. Made from walnut wood, this sculpture is both painted and gilded, testifying to the skill and know-how of the Vellaves artisans of the time. The statue presents a perfect frontality and symmetry, characteristic of medieval representations of the Virgin in majesty. This type of representation, where the Virgin sits on a throne holding the Child Jesus, is intended to show not only Mary's motherhood but also her royal position and divinity. The gilding work is particularly remarkable on this piece, covering the majority of the sculpture and highlighting the richness and importance of the sacred subject. The parts representing the flesh, as well as the back of the throne, are painted black, contrasting elegantly with the gilding and adding visual depth to the whole. However, it is important to note that the sculpture has suffered the marks of time. Damage is visible on the crowns, hands, ends of shoes, as well as on the drape of the sleeves. These marks of wear are silent witnesses to the eventful history of the work and its passage through the centuries. Historically, Black Madonnas are shrouded in mystery and veneration. They are often associated with miracles and attract many pilgrims. Their black color is subject to various interpretations, ranging from symbols of earth and fertility to hypotheses linked to the patina and oxidation of materials over time. This majestic Black Madonna is particularly interesting because it is a scale model of the famous Black Madonna of Puy-en-Velay, one of the most revered models in France. The Black Madonna of Puy-en-Velay is a wooden statue, probably dating from the 11th century, although tradition dates it back to even earlier times. It has been an important center of pilgrimage and is associated with many legends and miracles. The Black Madonna of Puy is generally represented in majesty, seated on a throne, holding the Child Jesus on her knees, and is entirely covered in richly decorated robes. However, this miniature represents the Black Madonna of Puy without her cloak, thus offering a more stripped down and intimate vision of the icon of Puy-en-Velay. Finally, it is worth mentioning the presence of a small hole under the statue, which could have been used for fixing. This detail recalls the existence of other authentic Black Madonnas with similar characteristics, perhaps suggesting a common practice in their installation or veneration. This Black Virgin in majesty is therefore not only an art object of great beauty, but also a precious witness to the faith and religious practices of past centuries, directly linked to one of the most emblematic figures of Marian worship in France. , and offering a faithful representation of the Black Madonna of Puy-en-Velay in her initial state without her mantle. Iconography consulted: Iconography of the Black Virgin of Puy, catalog of the Puy exhibition, Baptistery Saint-Jean. 1983 - P.127 Dimensions: • Height: 15.5 cm • Width: 5.7 cm • Depth: 7 cm ALL DELIVERIES ARE MADE BY DHL EXPRESS ONLY!