Antique 17th or 18th C. European Wooden Relief Sculpture of Madonna and Child

Details

Description

This is an antique wooden relief sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary (Madonna) holding the infant Jesus (Child). Carved from a … Read more This is an antique wooden relief sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary (Madonna) holding the infant Jesus (Child). Carved from a single piece of soft wood, likely pine or limewood based on the light weight (1.5 lbs) and visible grain, it features flowing draped robes, a serene maternal pose with Mary's arm cradling the child, and remnants of original paint in gold, red, and possibly blue tones, which have worn away over time due to age and handling. The style suggests Baroque influences with its dynamic folds in the clothing and expressive figures, though it lacks the elaborate halos or thrones seen in some Gothic examples. The back is flat and unfinished, with numerous small worm holes (evidence of past insect activity, common in antique European wood carvings), indicating it was designed as a wall-mounted or niche devotional piece rather than a free-standing statue.

Age: Based on stylistic comparisons to similar pieces, this likely dates to the 17th or early 18th century. The worm holes, paint layering technique (with gesso undercoat visible in spots), and carving style align with European religious art from this period.

Origin: Likely European, with strong indications of Italian or Central European (e.g., German or Flemish) craftsmanship. The pose and robe details resemble works from Southern Italy or the Alpine regions, where polychrome wood carvings were common in Baroque-era workshops. It may have been part of a larger altarpiece or produced in a monastic setting.

Item dimensions: 14.5" tall × 5" wide × 2.5" deep
Weight of item: 1 lb 8.5 oz See less