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, French, c.1500-1567
Title
The Virgin
Date1530s
MediumCarved limewood
Dimensions
41.5 x 39.5 cm
146 x 46 x 51 cm
Credit LinePurchased, 1978 (Shaw Fund)
Object numberNGI.8246
DescriptionLigier Richier lived and worked in Saint-Mihiel in Lorraine. Records show that in 1560 he was amongst those who petitioned the Duke of Lorraine to practice the reformed Protestant religion. By 1564, he had moved to Geneva. A sculptor of religious imagery, he excelled in expressive depictions of anguished figures relating to the Crucifixion and deposition of Christ. The most famous of these is the Easter Sepulchre (1554–64), a life-size group for the Church of St Etienne, Saint-Mihiel.

Richier typically worked in stone; however, these figures of the Virgin and St John the Evangelist are carved in wood. They were originally painted, and some traces of colour are still visible. The left hand of St John appears to have been replaced in modern wood. Richier has animated these sorrowful figures through their facial expressions, gestures and elongated draped garments. The clasped hands and contrapposto pose of the Virgin, as well as the heavenward gaze of St John, suggest that these sculptures were designed to be viewed as part of a larger group.
Label TextA sculptor of religious imagery, Richier excelled in expressive depictions of anguished figures relating to the crucifixion and deposition of Christ. This sculpture of the Virgin was carved from wood, and was originally painted; some traces of colour are still visible. The clasped hands and contrapposto pose of the figure suggest that this sculpture was designed to be viewed as part of a larger group. Richier lived and worked in Saint Mihiel in Lorraine, France. Records show that in 1560 he was amongst those who petitioned the Duke of Lorraine to practice the reformed Protestant religion.