Golden Madonna

The Golden Madonna, which is on display in the Lady Chapel in the left aisle choir of Essen Cathedral, is the oldest round sculptural figure of Mary in the world. It was created around 980 AD during the tenure of the Essen abbess Mathilde. The 74 cm high figure, which was carved from poplar wood and covered with gold plate, shows Mary on a stool with the baby Jesus sitting on her lap. Jesus holds a ball in his right hand, which is supposed to represent the globe. The eyes are made of blue, white and red enamel.