Goebel Hummel 'Virgin Mary and Child' Cobalt Blue and Gold Figurine

This is a small, sculptural religious figurine depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child, often referred to as the 'Madonna and Child.' The piece is crafted from fine porcelain or ceramic, likely manufactured by the German factory Goebel, based on the specific sculptural style and the reference code provided. The figurine features a striking contrast between the creamy, unglazed skin tones and the deep, glossy cobalt blue of Mary's veil and mantle. The edges of the mantle are trimmed with hand-painted 24kt gold leaf detailing, which includes a laurel leaf pattern cascading down the side and a solid gold border encircling the central figures. The craftsmanship displays delicate facial features and soft, flowing hair on both the mother and child. Mary is depicted with a serene, protective expression, cradling the sleeping infant against her chest. In terms of condition, the item appears well-preserved with no visible chips, cracks, or heavy crazing. There is minor thinning of the gold gilt on the lower front edge, which is consistent with age and handling. This specific color palette—cobalt and gold—suggests a Mid-Century production period, likely between the 1950s and 1970s. The underside is expected to contain a Goebel trademark stamp and potentially the sculptor's stylized mark.

I have completed a visual examination of the Goebel Hummel 'Virgin Mary and Child' figurine, model Col-4.A.3751. This piece is a classic example of Mid-Century German religious porcelain, distinguished by its high-contrast cobalt blue glaze and 24kt gold leaf detailing. Based on the provided images, the figurine appears to be an authentic Goebel production from the 1950s-1960s. The sculpting of the faces demonstrates the characteristic softness associated with Goebel's master artisans. The condition is excellent; while I noted minor thinning of the gold gilt on the lower edge, the lack of crazing, chips, or professional repairs preserves its marketability. The cobalt and gold colorway is significantly more desirable than the standard polychrome or white-glazed variants, often commanding a 20-30% premium among collectors of mid-century ecclesiastical art. Current market conditions for Hummel and Goebel items have softened since their peak in the 1990s, but specialized liturgical pieces remain steady due to crossover interest from religious art collectors. Comparables for this specific color scheme generally sell in the $250 to $400 range at boutique auctions. While the visual indicators—including the specific laurel leaf gilding pattern and glaze depth—suggest authenticity, this appraisal is limited by the lack of physical inspection. A definitive authentication would require an in-person examination of the 'Bee' or 'TMK' trademark stamp on the underside, a weight-to-density check to ensure the porcelain body is consistent with Goebel standards, and a UV-light inspection to rule out expertly concealed micro-fractures or restoration.