Large Virgin and Child in polychrome wood, Spain, 16th c.

Large painted and carved wooden Virgin and Child in the round, representing the Virgin and Child carrying the globe.
The theme of the Virgin and Child is the most represented in all Christian art, whereas the infancy of Jesus is almost completely avoided by the canonical evangelists. This representation is probably the result of an archaic theme (Isis suckling Harpocrates, the child Horus).
Numerous representations of the "woman with child" can be found in most of the world's cultures, including pre-Christian Europe.
Here, Christ carries the globe symbolising his temporal - and not just spiritual - domination of the world. In Western iconography, from the 15th century onwards, the image of Christ carrying the orb in his hand was given the name Savator Mundi (Saviour of the World).
Note the double string of pearls on the necklace. The right arm of Christ has been redone and the polychromy is missing, revealing a cloth-covered preparation.
Spain, early 16th c., traces of gilt.