Imad-Madonna, Medieval sculpture in Paderborn, Germany

Imad-Madonna is a 112 cm limewood sculpture of Mary seated as Sedes sapientiae, holding the Christ Child on her right thigh. Her right hand was restored in the 19th century as if once holding an object; the Child sits in profile, blesses with his raised forearm and holds a book. The surface is largely bare wood, with nail holes from a former metal sheath and paint traces on the Christ figure and book.

The sculpture was created around 1050, during a period when Paderborn served as an important religious center in the early German empire. It emerged in an era when the city's bishops wielded significant influence over the region's political and cultural direction.

This work shows how medieval believers venerated Mary and what role religious art played in their spiritual practice. The depiction of mother and child was a central image that would have guided worshippers through their prayers.

The sculpture is housed in the Diözesanmuseum Paderborn and can be viewed during the museum's regular hours. It is advisable to allow time to examine the fine carving details and traces of original paint from close up.

The original paint was only discovered during the restoration of 1968–1970: Mary wore white robes with red ornaments and fold lines, Christ a blue tunic with red borders, and the throne was painted red, blue, green and yellow. No gold was used at first; a gilded copper sheet set with gems and pearls was added only after the 1058 cathedral fire.