Virgin of the Milk (Virgen de la leche), c. 1500
Circle of Gil de Siloeexpand_more
Polychromed woodexpand_more
The William Hood Dunwoody Fundexpand_more 2012.12
On View in Gallery 340expand_more
This medieval sculpture of the Virgin Mary breastfeeding her son is unexpectedly naturalistic for its time. Milk was considered refined blood from the mother’s womb, and images of the Virgin breastfeeding the Christ child had theological significance. It was thought the Virgin’s milk, like the blood of Jesus on the cross, had redemptive properties.
Details
- Title
- Virgin of the Milk (Virgen de la leche)
- Artist Life
- active Burgos, Spain, 1486–1501
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2012.12
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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