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
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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
2 Shrine Fragments from Urnes
The Madonna from Urnes (see no. 1) was placed in a tabernacle shrine. The preserved parts – a crowning in the shape of a miniature church, and the left wing – enable a reconstruction of the entire shrine. Together with similarly shaped fragments in Italy, the shrine parts from Urnes are among the oldest in…Continue reading 2 Shrine Fragments 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
10 Tabernacle Shrine from Granvin
All entirely preserved tabernacle shrines in Norway date from the late Middle Ages. Most feature painted representations on the insides of the wings instead of relief figures, as was common in older shrines. Late medieval shrines often carry painted figurations also on the outsides, whereas most older shrines were only painted in one or two…Continue reading 10 Tabernacle Shrine from Granvin
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