Madonna

The frontal, full-length figure of the Madonna is a specimen of sacred sculpture following the traditions of the Austrian School. The contrapposto figure is presented with a subtle dynamism in the turn of the body, creating a natural asymmetrical curve. Judging by her sorrowful facial expression, the tilt of her head, the positioning of her arms, and the very posture of the saint, she was evidently part of a larger sculptural composition – possibly a Calvary (Golgotha) scene. The figure of the Blessed Virgin has a pronounced vertical silhouette, which is emphasised by the massive folds of her vestments. The artist employed deep fabric creases traditional to Austrian art, which create an expressive play of light and shadow. The monumentality of the image is further enhanced by the deep, longitudinal folds of the garments.
Particular attention is paid to the face of the saint. A state of profound sorrow is conveyed through her delicate facial features, eyes partially closed with downturned, melancholic eyelids, and the gentle tilt of her head. The colour scheme is based on the use of deep, symbolic colours traditional to sacred art. The greenish-turquoise chiton, which dominates the central part of the sculptural image, signifies earthly life and hope, while the red-terracotta himation enveloping her shoulders and cascading downwards serves as a symbol of royal dignity and suffering. The bright accent of the image, indicating purity and immaculate nature, is the white maphorion enveloping her head and shoulders.
The sculpture has sustained significant losses, with the arms missing, yet it has preserved its original polychromy enriched with gilded accents.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery