Virgin and Child

In this exceptional and very rare image, the Virgin Mary is depicted as standing, with a look of serene meditation on her oval and markedly oriental face.

Ivory was generally acquired by the Portuguese in Mozambique and taken to Macau or other oriental centers for the production of sculptures. This piece, taking advantage of the natural curvature of the elephant tusk, is a Christian adaptation of Bodhisattva Guanyin, the divinity associated with mercy and compassion, and an object of great devotion, not only in China, but also in the whole of East Asia. This is yet another testimony to the combination of canons and symbols, and of different geographical origins and distinct religious beliefs.