A Modern Sculptural Depiction of Our Lady Of Montserrat

This bold and unusual depiction of the Virgin and Child closely follows the iconography of Our Lady of Montserrat, a venerated sculpture and object of pilgrimage since at least the 13th Century. According to Catalan tradition, the original sculpture was carve in Jerusalem in the early Christian era and brought to Spain. Over the centuries, the faces became darkened by soot and this statue of the Virgin joined the ranks of the "Black Madonas" of Europe. Though it was made in the late 20th Century, this statue has a strongly Byzantine or Early Christian character. The faces are innocent and naive. The child Christ is shown sitting enthroned on his mother's lap. Both mother and child hold orbs, probably representing their rulership over the earth. The rough cement retains much of its original patina.