Left wing of a diptych, Virgin and Child flanked by Angels c. 1350

This is a small, intricately carved ivory panel, likely a leaf from a diptych, presenting the Virgin and Child flanked by Angels. The composition is striking, dominated by a soft, monochromatic palette that accentuates the texture of the ivory. The figures are set within a shallow, Gothic-style arch, its decorative tracery adding depth to the scene. The artist’s careful attention to the fall of drapery creates a sense of volume, while the delicate carving of the faces evokes a gentle emotionality. Looking closely, one might interpret the formal structure of the piece, with its hierarchical arrangement of figures, as reflective of medieval social and religious structures. The Virgin Mary, central and elevated, embodies the maternal and divine. Consider also the semiotic function of ivory as a medium, often associated with luxury and purity, thus reinforcing the sacred nature of the subject. The very act of carving, removing material to reveal form, can be seen as a metaphor for revealing divine truth through artistic labor. The intimate scale invites personal contemplation, a quiet dialogue with the divine.