5
17th-18th Century Spanish Colonial Baroque Madonna and Child
Estimate:
$2,000 - $3,000
Sold
$1,500
Live Auction
Sacred Statues: Gothic to Baroque 14th-17th C
Description
A masterfully carved and polychrome-painted wooden sculpture of the Madonna and Child, likely from the Spanish Colonial Baroque tradition, dating to the 17th or 18th century. This exceptional devotional piece reflects the artistic synthesis of European Baroque influences with indigenous craftsmanship, a defining characteristic of religious art produced in Spain's overseas territories, particularly in Latin America and the Philippines.
The Spanish Colonial period (16th-19th century) was marked by an extensive effort by the Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church to spread Christianity throughout the New World and other colonies. Art played a crucial role in this mission, with workshops in Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, and other colonial centers producing elaborate religious sculptures under the guidance of Spanish-trained artisans. This Madonna and Child exemplifies this period's distinct fusion of Spanish artistic traditions with local materials, techniques, and iconographic adaptations.
The Madonna is depicted in Majesty, standing gracefully while holding the Christ Child, who raises a blessing hand and holds a globe, symbolizing divine sovereignty over the world. The figures wear richly detailed vestments with floral and foliate motifs, enhanced with gilded embellishments, a hallmark of Spanish Colonial ecclesiastical art. The deep, vibrant polychromy was achieved using cedar or similar softwoods, which were commonly used in colonial religious sculptures for their workability and resistance to insects. The carving style, with its shallow relief details and soft modeling of facial features, suggests a colonial workshop influenced by Spanish Sevillian and Granadan Schools but executed by local artists adapting European techniques.
The stylistic influences of the Spanish Baroque, particularly the Sevillian School, are evident in the delicate facial modeling and the dramatic use of color and gold leaf. The naturalistic yet idealized facial expressions recall the work of Juan Mart�nez Monta��s (1568-1649) and other Spanish masters, whose influence extended to colonial artists. However, the folk-influenced ornamentation and stylized facial proportions indicate the hand of a colonial artist.
The reverse of the sculpture retains original decorative painting, an unusual and valuable feature that underscores its intended placement in a processional or altar setting, where it would be viewed from multiple angles. The presence of mounting holes in the base suggests that it was originally part of a larger retablo (altarpiece) or an ecclesiastical display.
Artist: Spanish Colonial Tradition
Issued: Mid 17th- Early 18th century
Dimensions: 13"L x 8.50"W x 27"H
Country of Origin: Spain
Provenance: Henri Lesieur; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 1996.
The Spanish Colonial period (16th-19th century) was marked by an extensive effort by the Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church to spread Christianity throughout the New World and other colonies. Art played a crucial role in this mission, with workshops in Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, and other colonial centers producing elaborate religious sculptures under the guidance of Spanish-trained artisans. This Madonna and Child exemplifies this period's distinct fusion of Spanish artistic traditions with local materials, techniques, and iconographic adaptations.
The Madonna is depicted in Majesty, standing gracefully while holding the Christ Child, who raises a blessing hand and holds a globe, symbolizing divine sovereignty over the world. The figures wear richly detailed vestments with floral and foliate motifs, enhanced with gilded embellishments, a hallmark of Spanish Colonial ecclesiastical art. The deep, vibrant polychromy was achieved using cedar or similar softwoods, which were commonly used in colonial religious sculptures for their workability and resistance to insects. The carving style, with its shallow relief details and soft modeling of facial features, suggests a colonial workshop influenced by Spanish Sevillian and Granadan Schools but executed by local artists adapting European techniques.
The stylistic influences of the Spanish Baroque, particularly the Sevillian School, are evident in the delicate facial modeling and the dramatic use of color and gold leaf. The naturalistic yet idealized facial expressions recall the work of Juan Mart�nez Monta��s (1568-1649) and other Spanish masters, whose influence extended to colonial artists. However, the folk-influenced ornamentation and stylized facial proportions indicate the hand of a colonial artist.
The reverse of the sculpture retains original decorative painting, an unusual and valuable feature that underscores its intended placement in a processional or altar setting, where it would be viewed from multiple angles. The presence of mounting holes in the base suggests that it was originally part of a larger retablo (altarpiece) or an ecclesiastical display.
Artist: Spanish Colonial Tradition
Issued: Mid 17th- Early 18th century
Dimensions: 13"L x 8.50"W x 27"H
Country of Origin: Spain
Provenance: Henri Lesieur; Bass Museum of Art, Miami Beach, FL 1996.
Condition
Age related wear.