Madonna of Rouchovany

ca. 1300-1330) Anonymous (Bohemia

ca. 1300-1330) Anonymous (Bohemia - Madonna of Rouchovany
The Madonna of Rouchovany represents one of the most significant sculpture relics from the rule of the last Přemyslids. It may have been commissioned for the significant Cistercian Monastery at Zbraslav. More recently, a hypothesis emerged that the sculpture was imported in Bohemia from the Rhineland. Similarly to the Madonna of Strakonice, the origins of this statue may be derived from the French models. The ring with an oval shaped stone on Mary’s left ring finger may have been the attribute of the mystical relationship of Christ and Virgin Mary or the groom and bride known from the Biblical Song of Songs, commentated by the founder of the Cistercian order Bernard of Clairvaux. As revealed during the thorough technological research, rather substantial fragments of original or very old polychromy have survived. The remaining décor, however, was identified in the newer layers of polychromy. The paint of the pattern is applied on a layer of red minium underlaid with a blue layer of azurite and indigo. The obverse of the coat was light, decorated with simple five-petal red minium rosettas.
date:
measurements: height 151 cm
material: lime-wood, in (some) places canvas
technique: for the most part original polychromy
inventory number: P 4671
gallery collection: Collection of Old Masters