Virgin and Child from the Sainte-Chapelle facts for kids
The Virgin and Child is a special statue made from ivory. Ivory is a hard, white material that comes from the tusks of elephants.
This beautiful statue was created around the year 1270 in France. It was originally made for a famous church in Paris, France, called the Sainte-Chapelle. The statue is 41 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. It shows the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms. Many art experts consider this one of the most stunning ivory carvings ever created. Today, you can see this amazing artwork at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Contents
What is Ivory?
Ivory is a natural material that comes from the tusks and teeth of certain animals. The most well-known source of ivory is elephants. For many centuries, people have used ivory to create beautiful sculptures, jewelry, and decorative objects.
Why Was Ivory Used?
Artists in the past often chose ivory because it is strong and can be carved into very fine details. It also has a smooth, shiny surface that looks very elegant. Because ivory was difficult to get, artworks made from it were often very valuable and special.
The Story of the Statue
This statue shows the Virgin Mary as a young woman, gently holding her son, Jesus. In this artwork, Jesus is shown as a small child, reaching out to his mother. This type of artwork, showing Mary and Jesus together, is very common in Christian art.
Where Was It Made?
The Virgin and Child statue was made in France during a time called the Middle Ages. This period was known for its beautiful cathedrals and religious art. Artists often worked for churches or wealthy families to create artworks that told stories from the Bible.
The Sainte-Chapelle Connection
The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, where the statue was first placed, is a famous royal chapel. It was built by King Louis IX of France to house important religious items. The Virgin and Child statue would have been a very important part of the chapel's decorations, helping people to feel closer to their faith.
Where Can You See It Now?
After many centuries, the Virgin and Child statue is now kept at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Louvre is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. It is home to thousands of artworks from different periods of history.
Visiting the Louvre
If you ever visit Paris, you can see this beautiful ivory carving up close. It is displayed among many other incredible sculptures and paintings. Seeing artworks like the Virgin and Child statue helps us understand the history of art and the beliefs of people from long ago.
