Renaissance Sculpture Appraisal

Pieta Sculpture

This item is a beige or off-white sculpture depicting the Pieta, a scene of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. The sculpture portrays Mary seated with Jesus across her lap, his lifeless body draped over her knees. Both figures are rendered with noticeable drapery details in their garments, adding a sense of volume and realism to the fabric folds. The figures exhibit classic sculptural forms, with attention to anatomical representation, particularly in the figure of Christ. The material appears to be a composite, possibly resin, plaster, or a cast marble/alabaster dust blend, given its uniform color and matte finish, which mimics natural stone but is unlikely to be quarried marble due to the apparent scale and assumed mass production nature. The sculpture rests on an oval-shaped, stepped base, integrated into the overall piece. It measures approximately 6-8 inches in height, though precise dimensions are not ascertainable from the image. No distinct manufacturing marks, artist signatures, or stamps are visible in the provided image. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious signs of chips, cracks, or significant wear. The color is consistent throughout, suggesting either a single-material construction or a uniformly applied finish. The style is reminiscent of Renaissance religious art, specifically echoing Michelangelo's famous Pieta, but this piece is clearly a reproduction or homage. Its estimated age is likely mid-20th century to present, given the probable material and common availability of such reproductions. The craftsmanship, while a reproduction, demonstrates moderate detail in the carving of facial features and drapery.