In general, Rottgen Pieta and Morgan Madonna are similar in their material. Rottgen Pieta is a wooden sculpture that was later painted. The Morgan Madonna is a sculpture in walnut, also painted; in addition, the creator used tin and linen (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Rottgen Pieta is slightly larger than Morgan Madonna and measures 34 1/2 inches high (US 10: Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic Art). Morgan Madonna measures 31 5/16 x 12 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches.
The historical context of these two sculptures is also different. Rottgen Pieta is a Gothic art dating back to the late Middle Ages. The approximate date of the sculpture is 1300-1325, and the author is unknown. Morgan Madonna belongs to the Middle Ages period, and there are at least two options for dating it (US 10: Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic Art). Researchers write about 1150-1200 and 1175-1200; the artist is unknown. Since historians have identified the Morgan Madonna in France, its manufacture is generally associated with the Late Romanesque Period.
The specific Gothic image of Mary’s face was supposed to indicate to people her compassion. Maria seemed to share suffering and grief with people, absorbing the most terrible events, feelings, and emotions. Thus, Rottgen Pieta is a prayer sculpture for giving praise and honors; still, Morgan Maria was not a simple prayer sculpture. Although the object was created according to all the canons of religious sculpture (an ascetic look and facial expression, a pose; large hands riveting attention to Jesus Christ), Morgan Maria had particular purposes. A depression behind her shoulder indicates that the sculpture could have been used as a vessel.
Rottgen Pieta reflects the suffering and pain on earth for which Jesus Christ, her son, will give his life. The meaning of Rottgen Pieta is tense and sad, concentrated on primordially medieval intentions. It can also be said that this sculpture instills fear, sorrow, and horror in the audience. Morgan Madonna obeys restrained canons and portrays wisdom, both her own and her son’s (US 10: Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic Art). Rottgen Pieta is a traditional example of the Gothic style, and Morgan Madonna represents the French style (Romanesque) characterized by balance and modesty.
Works Cited
Metropolitan Museum of Art. “The Morgan Madonna.” UNT Digital Library, 2022.
“US 10: Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic Art.” MHS AP ART HISTORY, 2019, Web.