Religious Statuary Appraisal

Polychrome Wooden Statue of the Immaculate Conception (Madonna)

This is a polychrome wooden statue depicting the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, as evidenced by her stance on a crescent moon, crushing a serpent beneath her feet, and the halo of stars. The figure is carved from wood, with visible craquelure in the paint, suggesting age and natural drying of the material. Her face features delicately painted eyes and lips, with lifelike glass eyes contributing realism. She wears a coral-red tunic beneath a deep blue cloak, both adorned with intricate, gold-patterned details. The floral motifs on the lower part of her dress add a decorative element, possibly indicating a specific regional style or period. The statue features brass elements for the crescent moon and the halo with twelve stars, which shows some oxidation and patina consistent with aged brass. Her hands are positioned in a gesture of prayer or supplication, with an outstretched right hand. The base of the sculpture is sculpted to resemble clouds, upon which the crescent moon rests, with a dark green serpent coiling around the clouds, its fangs bared. There are visible signs of wear, particularly chipping and loss of paint in various areas, revealing the natural wood beneath, which enhances its antique aesthetic. The craftsmanship suggests a skilled artisan, with detailed carving apparent in the drapery and facial features. The overall style points to a traditional religious art piece, likely from sometime between the 18th and early 20th century, given the painting style and material usage. There is a small tag attached to the base, suggesting it may have been part of a collection or recently appraised/cataloged. No discernible maker's marks or signatures are immediately visible.