Art History: Medieval Art

Art History 204 : Medieval Art

Term Paper

Medieval art is among the most popular and intriguing forms of Christian art. Of the several pieces of Christian art that we have explored in class, The Shrine of the Virgin is the most extraordinary art piece to me, and holds incredible meaning for the Christian faith and society during the Gothic century. According to The Shrine of the Virgin was used to captivate the true meaning of incarnation of God and the very important role of the Virgin Mary.

         The Shrine of the Virgin was made in the Rhine Valley, Germany in approximately 1300 A.C.E., during the Middle Ages.1 This amazing sculpture was made with Oak along with a linen covering and paint. The full material list includes oak, linen covering, polychromy, gesso, and gilding, but is classified as solely a wood sculpture. This sculpture can be credited as a gift of J.P Morgan.2 The Detailed sculpture is very unique because you are able to open the sculpture and indulge in the meaning of the rare piece. When the Shrine of the Virgin sculpture is closed we can view the Virgin Mary nursing the Christ child. The Christ child is holding a dove that represents the Holy Spirit. The Virgin Mary holding the Christ child is one of the most popular subjects of Christian art. Mary is honored and praised in many other religions all relating to the same purpose; giving the birth of Jesus. An angel Gabriel was sent from God to give the Virgin Mary the gift of the Holy Spirit where she would give birth to Jesus. “ My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed”.3 “Shall call me blessed” are the words in which the church honors and respects the Virgin Mary. When we view the sculpture of the Virgin Mary we can acknowledge a beautiful mother figure. Mary took full responsibility at an early age of 15 or 16 to care for a...