Virgin and Child

Copied John W. Perates, Virgin and Child, ca. 1940, carved, painted and stained wood, 29 1⁄4 x 20 3⁄8 x 3 1⁄2 in. (74.3 x 51.8 x 8.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1996.26.2

Artwork Details

Title
Virgin and Child
Artist
Date
ca. 1940
Location
Dimensions
29 1⁄4 x 20 3⁄8 x 3 1⁄2 in. (74.3 x 51.8 x 8.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved, painted and stained wood
Classifications
Keywords
  • Religion — New Testament — Christ
  • Religion — New Testament — Mary
  • Religion — angel
Object Number
1996.26.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.26.2

Artwork Description

John Perates based his work on Byzantine images of saints. In this piece he applied limited color, accenting only the halos and the Virgin’s crown to emphasize the holiness of the mother and child. Following Greek tradition, the eyes of the figures are open so that they can see the vision of Christ, while the mouths are clamped tightly shut since it is more important to listen than to speak. Sixteen angels watch over the Virgin and child from the frame to show how God protects all of his children.