Accession Number2013/2.558
TitleCoronation of the Virgin
Artist(s)Object Creation Date1508Medium & Supportwoodcut on laid paperDimensions 9 1/4 in x 6 in (23.5 cm x 15.24 cm);9 3/16 in x 6 1/8 in (23.34 cm x 15.56 cm)
Credit LineGift of Professor Walter M. and Nesta R. SpinkLabel copyPhilippe Pigouchet and Simon Vostre
France, active 1488–1518; France, active 15th century
Coronation of the Virgin
1508
Woodcut on laid paper
Gift of Professor Walter M. and Nesta R. Spink, 2013/2.558
Subject matterThis woodcut depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary by Christ in Majesty and probably derives from one of the multitude of Books of Hours produced by the printing and publishing team Philippe Pigouchet and Simon Vostre, who were active in Europe in the early 16th century. Mary kneels and receives a crown from a winged angel behind her. Christ, who wears papal vestments, including a tiara and sumptuous robe signifying his absolute status, blesses Mary. His three-tiered tiara represents the Holy Trinity. The occasion takes place in an ornate architectural setting, perhaps meant to signify the forecourt of heaven. Clusters of angels witness the event. Clouds beneath the Virgin's feet in the very foreground distinguish the figures as ascended into heaven as opposed to on earth.
Physical DescriptionA page from a manuscript depicting a woman, kneeling to be crowned, while a standing man blesses her. She is surrounded by a court of angels in an architectural setting in the clouds.
Primary Object ClassificationPrintCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Christianity
Late Medieval
angels (spirits)
crowns (headdresses)
devotional images (religious works)
gods (dieties)
heaven
thrones