17th Century German Carved Fruitwood Virgin Mary, 1640

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An impressive 17th-century German carved fruitwood figure of the Virgin Mary, remarkable for its large scale, elegant proportions and expressive … Read more An impressive 17th-century German carved fruitwood figure of the Virgin Mary, remarkable for its large scale, elegant proportions and expressive sculptural treatment. The Virgin is represented standing with her arms extended and palms open in a gesture of blessing and intercession. Her serene face is framed by long hair and a veil, while the deeply carved folds of her robes create a strong sense of movement and volume. She stands upon a sculpted crescent moon and cloud formation, an iconography traditionally associated with the Immaculate Conception and the Woman of the Apocalypse, a particularly important subject in Central European Baroque religious sculpture. Carved from fruitwood, the figure displays a warm natural surface and attractive aged patina. The absence of later polychromy allows the quality of the carving and the natural character of the wood to remain particularly visible. The monumental dimensions—approximately 130 cm high—give the sculpture a commanding presence and suggest that it was originally intended for an ecclesiastical setting, such as a church, chapel or private devotional interior. A substantial and highly decorative example of German Baroque religious sculpture of the 17th century, retaining the character and surface expected from a work of this age. Origin: Germany Period: 17th century Style: Baroque Subject: Virgin Mary / Immaculate Conception Material: Carved fruitwood Dimensions: 130 × 70 × 30 cm Condition: Antique condition consistent with age. Natural age cracks, wear, minor losses and traces of old intervention are visible, particularly to the face and drapery. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of condition. See less