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
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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
- Subjects
- Religion — New Testament — Christ
- Religion — New Testament — Mary
- Religion — angel
- Object Number
- 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.