The Virgin and Child

myminifactory

As this sculpture weathers, it's likely that its original placement was outside a building, serving as the centerpiece for a larger group. The sculptor, Ambrogio di Mazolis (active 1524-36), may be identical to 'Ambrogio', who received payment in May 1524 for work on the Scuola di San Rocco, one of Venice's main religious confraternities. This sculpture depicts Mary holding Jesus as a child, carved from marble and inscribed with the sculptor's name and date (1536). The inscription on the front of the base reads: M.D.?AMBRS TAIAPREDA DI MAZOLIS/ XXXVI. The term 'Taiapreda' is a Venetian dialect form of Italian 'Tagliapietra', meaning stone-cutter. The sculptor may be identical to one bearing the same first name who received payment in May 1524 for work on the Scuola di San Rocco, one of Venice's main religious confraternities. This statue likely formed the center of a more extensive group, with both Virgin and Child gazing towards figures of donors who commissioned and paid for the work. The marble has weathered, probably situated outside a building, possibly in a lunette above a doorway. Gallery location: Sculpture 1300-1600, Room 27, case FS This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London