Madonna from the Franciscan Monastery

myminifactory

This sculpture features Virgin Mary cradling Christ in her arms. The Madonna originated at the Franciscan monastery in Pilsen, where it was allegedly a part of the decoration for the recently completed monastery church (constructed around 1350 with a vault). It is the oldest preserved sculpture from Plzen. The artist drew inspiration from the Master of Madonna of Michle, yet certain details reveal close ties to the Madonna of Velke Mezirici and similarities with the Madonna of Zinkovy and the Madonna of Touzim. Nevertheless, it stands apart from the main current style and formally displays some historicizing elements. Christ grasps a Sphere in his hand - a symbol of His Heavenly Reign (Pantocrator); Virgin Mary, uncrowned, likely held an apple in her hand - the symbol of sin, anticipating that Mary, the "new" Eve, would share in the redemption of the "old" Eve's sin.