Romanesque statues of the Madonna in Majesty form a distinct class of sculptures.1 Figures 1, 2, and 5 illustrate examples which are very typical but nevertheless are still less well known than their quality merits.2 All such statues, which are often referred to as “Majesties” (Maiestates) in the contemporary texts, are small, usually measuring about three feet in height. Without exception they are made of wood.3 Most of them are carved on all sides including the back and are true freestanding sculptures (Figs. 3, 4, 7). The iconography of costume and pose varies slightly according to region, but the basic theme is the sedes sapientiae; Mary is interpreted as the Seat or Throne of Wisdom.4 She herself is majestically seated on a throne, an unvarying and meaningful essential in the iconography, and she ordinarily assumes a frontal, regal pose with the Christ Child rigidly centered and enthroned in her lap. Her importance as the throne for Christ or as the Seat of Wisdom is thus clear.