The Christ Child Holding the Orb

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This depiction of the Child holding the orb, which signifies His dominion over the earth, features the glass eyes typical of Iberian sculpture but lacks the expected polychromy. Despite its vigorous modeling, the figure was probably meant to be dressed in a luxurious garment and a wig. The faithful supplied such precious accoutrements as acts of devotion.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art