Our Lady of Westminster, Medieval statue in Westminster Abbey, England
Our Lady of Westminster is an alabaster sculpture positioned above the main entrance of Westminster Abbey, showing the Virgin Mary seated on a throne with the Christ Child in her lap. Mary holds a scepter in her right hand while the Child carries a globe and offers a blessing.
The work was created around 1450 in the Nottingham region from alabaster mined at Chellaston quarries, a time when religious artwork production flourished across England. This period marked the height of English alabaster craftsmanship before major shifts altered local industries.
The sculpture reflects a period when English alabaster works were widely traded across Europe and held special meaning for people's religious devotion. This particular piece demonstrates the craftsmanship valued in medieval communities for their places of worship.
The sculpture hangs above the west entrance and is visible from outside without requiring admission to view it from ground level. Visitors can see it during Abbey opening hours, and daylight provides the best viewing conditions.
The Child in the sculpture holds a globe rather than the orb typically seen in medieval religious imagery, suggesting earthly dominion. This uncommon detail makes the piece distinctive among other alabaster religious works from that era.
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