Virgin of Jeanne D'Evreux - Historical Context

Historical Context

In the 13th century, the Gothic style of art began to emerge and spread throughout all of Europe. This style strayed from Romanesque art and focused on the realism and naturalism. Proportions as well as reality were very important in these pieces of art. Sculptures were made to represent real human emotions and gestures which brought back some of the Classical techniques of art that were lost for so long.

Many of the sculptures created in this time period could be placed within a home, or were donations for churches and abbeys. Sculptures of the Virgin Mary alone or with Christ as a child were quite popular these days. Mystic animals such as the gargoyles were also found on many different buildings which would scare off any evil ghosts or spirits. Sculptures were mostly found on the exteriors of buildings as well as the interiors. During this time period, more and more of these works of art were created free-standing rather than just attached to a wall or column.

Architecture throughout the Gothic ages began with the construction of various cathedrals including ones the abbey church of Saint-Denis which not only was highly decorated with wondrous statues, but was also the resting place of their kings. The churches in these times were made larger by introducing the ribbed vaults. These ribbed vaults enlarged the clerestory and windows while allowing them to bear more weight from the building with the help of buttresses. Overall, these ribbed vaults helped to expand the space, making the Gothic churches larger.

The artist who commissioned The Virgin and Child of Jeanne d'Évreux is Jean Pucelle. The piece itself seems to have been intended for Jeanne d'Évreux just as The Book of Hours of Jeanne d'Évreux which was given to her by her husband. As used in earlier history, these works of art were typically meant for the masses of people and for those who were illiterate so that they can be educated about the biblical ways.