Medieval
This image shows the Virgin and Child of Chartres Cathedral, commonly known as the Black Madonna of Chartres (Notre-Dame du Pilier). It is one of the most venerated Marian sculptures in France and a central focus of devotion within the cathedral. It was commissioned in 1508 as a black wooden copy of the 13th century silver Madonna that stood on the main altar at Chartres Cathedral.
Set into a 13th century window, in the south ambulatory of the choir (bay 44) of Chartres Cathedral, this is one of the most celebrated medieval artworks in the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres.It dates primarily to c. 1180 CE, with later additions around 1225 CE, making it a rare survivor from the pre-1194 fire that destroyed the earlier Romanesque cathedral.
This finely carved coffin lid features a long-stemmed cross whose arms terminate in deeply incised, curling foliage, a design symbolising both the Cross of Christ and the Tree of Life. The leafy ornament, known as a foliated cross, became popular in the 13th century and is often associated with clerical burials or those of prominent parishioners.










