"Virgin of the Annunciation” Carved, polychromed... Lot 34

"Virgin of the Annunciation” Carved, polychromed and gilded wooden sculpture. Possibly from Reims. France. Gothic. Circa 1250 - 1270. It seems to be impossible not to be reminded of the famous smile of the Angel at Reims Cathedral who smiles at the Virgin Mary when looking at the sweet and impish expression of this figure of Mary. Gothic realism also had an interest in psychology, expressing the characters´ expressions in this way. Mary, queen and future mother, is in a lightly balanced frontal position with a sweet and charming smile. With her right hand she gives blessing, whilst in the left she holds the Holy Scriptures. She wears luxurious clothes consisting of a dress which is cinched at the waist, polychromed in burgundy colours with small black squares and an elaborate burgundy and gilded double collar which is closed with a brooch of precious stones. Above, she wears a gilded cloak, polychromed in ochre, decorated with the same motifs as the dress, it falls from her shoulders to her feet forming light Gothic folds, which Mary gathers up in her left hand. Height: 92 cm.