"Seat of Wisdom(Sedes Sapientiae)". Carved wooden sculpture. Italy. Romanesque. 12th century.

"Seat of Wisdom(Sedes Sapientiae)". Carved wooden sculpture. Italy. Romanesque. 12th century.
The Madonna, majestic and serene, with imposing features which transmit respect and devotion, wears a crown.
She is depicted in a forward-facing position, crowned and seated on the throne of glory, holding the Christ Child, who is also crowned, on her knees. In this way Mary is also the throne of the Son of God. The Madonna and Child’s faces are finely sculpted, and although they reflect the severe expression of the Romanesque period, they have a certain sweetness.
This image bears great similarity to the Madonna and Child that is kept at the museum of the city of Castelli, especially in its curious headdress of gathered up braids which adorn the Madonna’s face, and the Christ Child’s long hair.
The image shows evidence of the byzantine tradition in this iconography. The treatment of the clothing, moreover, is outstanding, as well as the elaborate arched throne.
49 x 17 x 10 cm.