French, Île de France

This handheld sculpture was made for private meditation. It is similar in size and intimacy to miniature paintings in prayer books, and it also functions as a small version of a church altarpiece. It was carved from ivory imported from Africa, and prized for its lustrous, pearl-like surface.

The scenes narrate the life of Christ’s mother, Mary. At the lower left, she learns of her miraculous pregnancy and gives birth, then (moving right) presents her son to wise men bearing gifts. At the top, Mary suffers at the Crucifixion, is crowned in heaven, and, finally, kneels beside her son on Judgment Day.