Spanish: Enthroned Virgin; Unidentified artist; Spanish; 12th century; Wood with polychromy; iron and textile; This painted wooden statue of the Virgin Mary once included a figure of the Christ child; the child; along with Mary's forearms; was carved from a separate piece of wood. Mary's frontal; rigid posture reflects her identity as a "Throne of Wisdom" for her son. Thrones of Wisdom; signifying Christ's status as divine wisdom incarnate; enjoyed wide popularity in twelfth-century Europe. Such sculptures tended to have permanent homes on an altar but were frequently set into motion in church processions; mystery plays; and other ceremonial contexts.; Overall: 22 1/4 x 6 1/4 x 5 1/4 in. (56.5 x 15.9 x 13.3 cm)