Holy Family Sculpture Appraisal

Madonna and Child Bust Sculpture

This is a bust sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child, rendered in an antique or classical style. The sculpture is made of a light-colored material, likely bisque porcelain, chalkware, resin, or a composite material, given its smooth, matte finish and creamy off-white color, which mimics natural marble or alabaster. The overall color is a pale ivory or ecru, with subtle variations suggesting age or an intentional patina. The Madonna's face is serene, with downcast eyes, and her head is gently tilted to the left, cradling the infant Jesus. Her hair is covered by a drape, which falls gracefully over her right shoulder and around the child. Folds of drapery are visible around her shoulders and chest, detailed with a ruffled edge at the neckline. The infant child is nestled against her left shoulder, with only the back of its head and profile visible, and the Madonna's left hand is shown gently holding the child. The base of the bust is pedestal-shaped, colored in a contrasting, warmer tone of light brown or beige with some white highlights, suggesting a distressed or aged wood effect, or possibly a different material like terracotta or painted plaster. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with well-defined facial features and drapery folds, indicating attention to detail. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant damage in the provided images, though a closer inspection would be needed to confirm. The style suggests a late 19th or 20th-century interpretation of Renaissance or Baroque religious art. The material choice and soft aesthetic contribute to a devotional or decorative piece designed for an interior setting.