Extremely representative Northern Italian school hand carved wooden sculpture from early 18th century featuring a serene Madonna with child standing above the terrestrial globe and crescent moon.
This solid lime wood sculpture of a crowned Virgin Mary holding the Baby Jesus in her arms evokes the traditional motif of the Madonna and child, transmits calm and maternal sweetness and at the same time is extremely strong and rich in symbolic elements.
This wonderful religious sculptural group depicting the Madonna standing on the globe with the symbol of the crescent moon beneath her feet is an allusion to the Apocalyptic Woman (Rev. 12:1–5).
The devil under symbolically represented in the form of a dragon holding an apple in its mouth is a reference to the original sin.
Furthermore, the presence of this additional symbolic element can make us interpret the moon as a symbol of inconstancy here vanquished beneath the feet of the Virgin.
The Holy Mary turns her gaze downwards, whilst tenderly holding the child in her arms, who interacts with the viewer rather than with his mother. The richness of the superb carving continues on the base which is embellished by high relief sculpted winged cherub faces and a scroll with golden lettering in Latin referring to the Holy Virgin Mary.
The whole model is extremely pleasant, transmitting a sense of harmony, peace and calm. Both the Virgin and the Holy Child have an embossed silver sheet crown. The sculpture rests on a rectangular wooden socle added later.
This sculpture was probably once hung in a church or private chapel, maybe as a part of an altarpiece, since it retains the original antique hook in the back. This beautiful sculpture can now be hung on the wall again or remain on the base as a fine art piece sculpted in the round.
The sculpture is in overall good condition considering age and use, the wood has a wonderful color and grain and original patina. Very old restoration of both sides of the cresent moon. Minor wear of the Child's hands. In my opinion the sculpture is ready to be exposed or installed, worn parts do nothing but add charm to the whole sculpture group.
Measures: H. 68, W. 28 cm - base W.20, D.13 cm
Please Note: This artwork is shipped from Italy. Under existing legislation, any artwork in Italy created over 70 years ago requires a governative license for export called Belle Arti. We can handle this procedure that can last up to 5 weeks.