Highlights

Description

This sculpture belongs to the most beautiful sculptural renderings of the motif of Mary in Hope. It demonstrates the masterly ability of the carver to lend a majestic expression to the humbly depicted Mary. The motif of Mary in Hope enjoyed increasing popularity from the 14th century onwards in southern Germany, especially in Altbayern (Old Bavaria), but also in neighbouring Bohemia. It is a depiction of the highly pregnant Mother of God whose arched belly holds a niche in which the Christ child is standing. The image of a pregnant Mary was particularly popular with women; its veneration reflects the hope and belief in heavenly help for pregnancies or the (yet) unfulfilled wishes for children.