Virgin and Child, Cuzco School, Attributed to Marcos Zapata, Mid-18th Century.

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Description

**Attributed to Marcos Zapata (ca. 1710–1773), Virgin and Child (Madonna with Child Jesus), Cuzco School, mid-18th century**

An exceptional colonial … Read more **Attributed to Marcos Zapata (ca. 1710–1773), Virgin and Child (Madonna with Child Jesus), Cuzco School, mid-18th century**

An exceptional colonial painting from the **Cuzco School** (Escuela Cusqueña), **attributed to Marcos Zapata**, one of the last and best-documented masters of this tradition. Oil on canvas depicting the Virgin Mary in her characteristic dark green/black mantle with rich gold ornamentation (brocateado) along the edges, over a pink dress. The Child Jesus is partially nude and extends his hand in a blessing gesture, surrounded by a soft golden glow (halo).

**Key details of the attribution:**
In the lower part of the canvas, the first three letters of the signature **"ZAP"** are clearly visible to the naked eye – the remainder is obscured due to age and craquelure. Marcos Zapata was one of the few artists of the Cuzco School who systematically signed his works (the signature typically begins with "ZAP"). Stylistically, the work fully corresponds to his oeuvre: idealized faces, rich drapery, Andean colonial Baroque with European influences, and characteristic brocateado.

Provinance:
Tinkhauser family, Bruneck (Brunico), South Tyrol, Italy (a region with historical ties to Northern Italian art collecting traditions).

A rare opportunity to acquire a painting **attributed to Marcos Zapata** due to the partially visible signature and complete stylistic consistency. Comparable works achieve prices between €10,000 and €30,000 at international auctions...

For visual comparison with other works by Marcos Zapata and the Cuzco School:

Professional expertise is recommended for final confirmation. Ideal for collectors of colonial Latin American art. See less