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Notes
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The Madonna is placed directly against the wall, the upper part of her body swathed in a cloak and the palms of her hands open to the front, as though presenting her child. He is shown suspended against her body, with his arms stretched out horizontally in a gesture which can be read both as a welcome and as an anticipation of the crucifixion. The two Georgian buildings on the north side of Cavendish Square were occupied by Catholic nuns. One of the pavilions was damaged during the Second World War and the architect, Lois Osman, was called by the Convent of the Holy Child Jesus in 1950 to supervise the reconstruction. He decided on a masonry wall with a sculpture to create a central focus and thought that this was perfect for the modelling skills of Epstein, who was left free to choose the subject.
Title
Madonna and Child
Date
1953
Medium
lead
Measurements
H 390 x W 140 x D (?) cm
Accession number
W1G_II_S008
Acquisition method
commissioned by the nuns of the Convent of the Holy Child Jesus; purchased with the help of the Arts Council
Work type
Relief
Owner
Convent of the Holy Child Jesus
Custodian
Convent of the Holy Child Jesus
Work status
extant
Unveiling date
14th May 1953
Access
at all times