19th Century Italian Hand-Painted Maiolica Madonna & Child Devotional Plaque

Details

Description

A striking 19th-century Italian hand-painted maiolica devotional plaque depicting the Madonna and Child surrounded by angels and cherubic figures. Rich … Read more A striking 19th-century Italian hand-painted maiolica devotional plaque depicting the Madonna and Child surrounded by angels and cherubic figures. Rich in character and devotional symbolism, the plaque is painted in a distinctive palette of ochre yellow, soft blue, turquoise green, white, and manganese brown over a substantial terracotta body.

The crowned Virgin occupies the center of the composition, holding the Christ Child while winged angels appear among stylized clouds. Cross and bead details reinforce the plaque's Marian devotional character. The freely rendered figures, expressive black outlining, fluid brushwork, and irregular application of glaze give the work the distinctive warmth and immediacy associated with Italian folk and devotional ceramics.

The plaque was likely created for display in a private home, chapel, monastery, or other devotional setting. Its irregular hand-worked form and exposed terracotta body are particularly appealing, while the reverse provides a clear view of the earthenware construction and surviving hanging hardware.

Origin: Italy, possibly Southern Italy
Period: 19th century
Material: Tin-glazed earthenware / maiolica over terracotta
Technique: Hand-painted and kiln-fired
Subject: Madonna and Child with Angels
Style: Italian Folk Art / Devotional Art
Dimensions: Approximately 11" H × 10.5" W
Hanging: Existing metal hanging hardware See less