VIRGIN OF THE BIRD – VIERGE À L’OISEAU

The medieval legend (La Vierge à l'Oiseau): The theme of the "Virgin of the Bird" is based on medieval apocryphal narratives of Jesus' childhood. French sculptures, such as that of Our Lady of Marthuret in Riom, depict the Child on Mary's lap holding a bird.

The term "Vierge à l'Oiseau" (Virgin of the Bird) defines a recurring theme in Western Christian iconography, which emerged in the Middle Ages (XIII century). It is an artistic variation of the traditional "Virgin and Child", where the Baby Jesus holds a little bird in his hands.

Also in the Apocryphal Gospel of Thomas there is a text about the childhood of Jesus (not included in the official Bible) in which it is narrated that the Child Jesus molded birds with clay and, blowing, gave them life.

In most medieval or Renaissance paintings and sculptures, the bird depicted is a goldfinch. As this bird feeds on thorns, it directly symbolizes the crown of thorns of the Passion of Christ. The red spot on the bird's head evokes the blood shed by Jesus on the Cross.

In other mystical interpretations, the bird symbolizes the fragility and purity of the human soul, protected in the hands of Christ and under the gaze of the Virgin Mary.

Our Lady of the Bird – Patinated Synthetic Ivory – 36 cm