Virgin Mary and Christ

Next to the crucifix, the image of the Madonna enthroned or standing with child vividly expresses the Christian belief that God became incarnate through His Son while remaining truly God. Sumptuously clothed and dignified, the Virgin Mother presents her child to believers. As the new Eve she hands Him an apple, which in His hands can become a symbol of sovereignty over the world. The Virgin Mary appears in pictorial narrative cycles beginning with the Annunciation and Nativity of Jesus, continuing on to the Adoration of the Magi and to the sorrowful Mary before her crucified son and ending with her solemn Assumption into heaven as the coronated queen. The Virgin Mary is of vital importance: she offers emotional access to the Passion of Christ through her compassion and intervenes for humanity during the Last Judgment. Her beauty and a number of the many symbols associated with the Virgin Mary were inspired by the love poems from the Song of Songs. Mary is not only viewed as the Mother of God, but also as the mystical Bride of Christ and the embodiment of the church.

Stone sculpture of Mary with crown. Her right hand is raised, her left hand holds the baby Jesus. The image is not complete: On the sides the stone is broken off.

Siegburg Madonna, Cologne, third quarter of the 12th cent., limestone, h. 41 cm, inv. no. K 10 a, b, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Colored painted wooden figure of a sitting woman. On her lap sits a child. The robes of the two are golden-yellow.

The Virgin Mary with a Rock Crystal, Cologne, c. 1220-1230, setting 1st half of 14th cent., oak, walnut, rock crystal, H. 57.6 cm, Inv. No. A 14, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Wooden figure of a standing woman. She is wrapped in a red cloth and has a hand to her tilted face.

Our Lady of Sorrows from a Triumphal Cross Ensemble, Eastern Alps, c. 1220-1230, beech, H. 141 cm, Inv. No. A 1058, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Wooden figure of a seated woman with her head bowed. On her lap sits a child who looks up to her and has raised his right hand.

So-called Aix-la-Chapelle Madonna, Cologne, c. 1230, oak, 102 x 50 x 43.5 cm, inv. no. A 15, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Stained glass depicting Jesus putting a crown on Mary. Above them is depicted an angel, below them two praying people.

Coronation of the Virgin Mary, Cologne, c. 1250-1260, stained glass, 91.1 x 48.2 cm, Inv. No. M 3, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

In the center of the stained glass Mary lies with closed eyes. At her bedside are people with Jesus in their midst. Under her bed are depicted two praying people.

Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Cologne, c. 1250-1260, stained glass, 88 x 45 cm, Inv. No. M 2, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Standing Madonna in a golden robe and a red cloak with the seated baby Jesus on the left arm. The child looks at the face of the Madonna figure, the Madonna looks at the viewer. The right hand of the Madonna is missing.

Ollesheim Madonna, Cologne, c. 1260-1270, beech, H. 81 cm, Inv. No. A 1054, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Wooden figure of a young Mary sitting on a wide throne seat. On her arm she holds the baby Jesus. His face is turned towards her.

Madonna on the Wide Throne, Cologne, c. 1270, oak, H. 61.5 cm, Inv. No. A 46, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

White marble figures: on the left sits Mary with the baby Jesus on her lap. To their right are the three holy kings. One kneels right next to Mary and Jesus and holds a chalice on which the baby Jesus has placed his hand.

Adoration of the Magi from the High Altar of Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, c. 1310, white marble, H. 38 cm, Inv. No. K 210 a, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Figure of a seated Mary made of ivory. On her knee is the baby Jesus. He holds his head inclined to the ground.

Madonna Enthroned, France, 14th cent., ivory, H. 16.5 cm, Inv. No. B 28, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Wooden figure of a standing Mary. On her arm she holds the baby Jesus. Her robe is painted brown.

Friesentor Madonna, Cologne, c. 1370-1380, walnut, H. 132 cm, Inv. No. A 40, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv. Restored from 2006–2008 with the support of the Friends of the Museum.

Sitting Mary made of wood. She wears a white dress and has her head lowered in mourning. On her lap lies the dead Jesus with crown of thorns.

Pietà, Rhineland, c. 1380/1390, walnut, 45.5 x 23.5 x 17 cm, Inv. No. A 1052, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

Holzschnitzerei: Maria mit Kind inmitten weiterer sechs Frauen. Die vorderen Frauen halten Schriftstücke in ihren Händen.

The Virgin and Child among Holy Virgins, Middle Rhine, c. 1430, walnut, 45 x 47 cm, Inv. No. A 95, © Rheinisches Bildarchiv

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