This enthroned Virgin is one of the earliest preserved Marian sculptures in Norway and can be dated to the second half of the twelfth century. Mary sits frontally on a folding throne decorated with animal heads and addresses the onlooker with a poignant gaze. Her skin is whitish, her cheeks are reddish, and her eyes…Continue reading 3 Marian shrine from Urnes
Category: Maria
5 Calvary Group from Giske
On the island of Giske, north of Ålesund, stands a well-built twelfth-century church of white marble that was founded by a prominent nobleman. From this church stems a three-figure Romanesque Calvary group that, despite its battered state, still betrays its remarkable artistic quality. The original polychromy, the cross and arms of the Christ figure, as…Continue reading 5 Calvary Group from Giske
9 Marian Shrine from Hove
The so-called ‘Hove Madonna’ is among the most outstanding medieval sculptures in Norway. Mary and Child are both largely covered in gold leaf and the inside of the Virgin’s cloak, painted in blue and white, imitates vair (squirrel fur) or ermine. The crowned Virgin is seated frontally on a throne with black painted window motives…Continue reading 9 Marian Shrine from Hove
10 Marian shrine from Kyrkjebø
This Virgin of the Sedes Sapientiae (‘Throne of Wisdom’) type is seated frontally on a throne with painted architectural decorations on the sides. Mary wears a golden robe that falls down in thick V-shaped folds and is fastened with a golden belt. Her golden mantle, draped over her right knee, is lined with painted imitation…Continue reading 10 Marian shrine from Kyrkjebø
20 Marian Shrine from Brekke
This late Gothic tabernacle shrine from Brekke on the Sognefjord represents a type that was widespread in central and northern Europe during the late Middle Ages. The shrine was probably produced in northern Germany, possibly Lübeck. The figure of the standing Virgin and Child has almost completely preserved its original polychromy. The Virgin has long,…Continue reading 20 Marian Shrine from Brekke
25 Double-Winged Altarpiece from Uggdal
Together with the winged altarpiece from Austevoll (MA 283), this example from Uggdal (formerly Opdal) on the island of Tysnes is preserved in its entirety. The central chest shows a relief group representing the Coronation of the Virgin Mary by Christ (left) and God the Father (right), with the Holy Spirit appearing in the shape…Continue reading 25 Double-Winged Altarpiece from Uggdal
1 Virgin and Child from Urnes
This enthroned Virgin Mary is one of the oldest saints’ sculptures preserved in Norway. Several motifs, such as the parallel folds between the shoes, are reminiscent of northern French sculptures and sculptures from the Rhine and Meuse Valleys, in what are now Germany and Belgium. Nevertheless, it cannot be determined with certainty whether it…Continue reading 1 Virgin and Child from Urnes
3 Wings of Two Different Tabernacle Shrines from Røldal and Odda
These two wings stem from two different Marian shrines. This wing belongs to the Madonna from Røldal (see no. 8) and features several scenes from the history of the Virgin birth of Christ: the meeting between Mary and Elizabeth above, and two of the Three Kings below. To the left of the Virgin Mary in…Continue reading 3 Wings of Two Different Tabernacle Shrines from Røldal and Odda
5 Marian Shrine from Hove
The so-called ‘Hove-Madonna’ is among the most precious medieval sculptures in Norway. Its shapes, carving and polychromy (painted decorations and gilding) are of the highest quality. The Virgin and Child are seated on a throne under a baldachin. Iron hooks on either side of the back panel indicate that the shrine could be closed. According…Continue reading 5 Marian Shrine from Hove
6 Virgin and Child with Tabernacle Shrine from Kyrkjebø
During the restoration of this Marian figure in the 1960s, several parchment fragments were found inside the sculpture’s hollow backside. These were recently rediscovered in the University Museum’s archive and interpreted. The fragments probably stem from a Missal. They were reused to fill holes that had occured during the carving of the figure before the…Continue reading 6 Virgin and Child with Tabernacle Shrine from Kyrkjebø
8 Virgin and Child from Røldal
The Virgin and Child from Røldal stood inside a tabernacle shrine with scenes on the insides of the wings. One wing is preserved (see no. 3). The Madonna was probably situated on a Lady altar on the north side in the nave of the stave church, opposite from an altar with a sculpture of St…Continue reading 8 Virgin and Child from Røldal
11 Marian Shrine from Brekke
This late Gothic Marian shrine from Brekke is one of the best preserved of its kind in Norway. The sculpture of the Virgin and Child are presented in a chest with scenes from the history of the Virgin birth of Christ, while the exterior features Annunciation, i.e. the meeting between the Archangel Gabriel and the…Continue reading 11 Marian Shrine from Brekke