A roundel of the Madonna and Child, St. Mary’s Hall, c. 1917

This relief sculpture of Mary and two angels is on a sculpted boss on the ceiling of the entrance porch to St. Mary’s Hall. It is flanked by two other roundels, one showing an angel with a harp, and the other an angel with a banner reading “Ave Maria.” The placement of the holy figures at the apex of the ceiling alludes to their position in heaven; there are hints of clouds around and below the Madonna. Mary is shown with a round halo, and Jesus is depicted with a cross-shaped nimbus. The plants include roses and lilies, symbols of Mary; and oak leaves and acorns, which may derive from Celtic symbolism.