BRUGES, Belgium — A stone Madonna and Child statue graces the entrance to the Church of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk), representing the church's dedication to the Virgin Mary. This religious sculpture exemplifies medieval Marian devotion and Gothic architectural decoration. The statue's prominent placement at the church entrance demonstrates the importance of the Virgin Mary in medieval Christian worship.


Photograph by David Coleman. The Madonna and Child statue at the entrance to Bruges' Church of Our Lady represents a significant example of medieval religious sculpture and Marian devotional art. This stone carving, positioned to greet worshippers and visitors at the church portal, reflects both the building's dedication to the Virgin Mary and the medieval tradition of marking sacred spaces with religious imagery. The sculpture demonstrates the sophisticated stone carving techniques of medieval artisans and their ability to convey religious devotion through architectural decoration. As part of the church's sculptural program, this Madonna and Child continues to serve its original purpose of marking the transition from secular to sacred space while providing an enduring example of medieval religious artistry.


Size: 4476px × 6706px
Location: Arrondissement Brugge, Flanders, Belgium
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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