Dressed Statue of the Madonna and Child (Dressed Statue)

Spanish Colonial Dressed Statue of the Madonna and Child (Dressed Statue).: Late-18th/early-19th c. Madonna sculpted in wood with ivory head and hands, glass eyes and wig of human hair. Child in wood with glass eyes, porcelain head, hands, legs, and feet, and holding an orb
Spanish Colonial Dressed Statue of the Madonna and Child (Dressed Statue).

Late-18th/early-19th c. Madonna sculpted in wood with ivory head and hands, glass eyes and wig of human hair. Child in wood with glass eyes, porcelain head, hands, legs, and feet, and holding an orb

Name/Title

Dressed Statue of the Madonna and Child (Dressed Statue)

Entry/Object ID

2007.9

Description

Spanish Colonial Dressed Statue of the Madonna and Child (Dressed Statue). Sculptures of the Madonna dressed in actual clothing were prevalent in Spain and Spanish America, where they often were carried during ceremonial processions and displayed in ornate church niches. The Madonna is sculpted in wood and embellished with ivory head and hands, glass eyes, and a wig of human hair. Her sumptuous gown was recreated using period fabric consisting of silk brocaded cloth with silver and gold. Jesus holds an orb surmounted by a cross, conveying his dominion over earth. Because of its modest size and luxurious materials, this statue was likely created for a wealthy family’s private devotion. En España e Hispanoamérica fueron comunes las esculturas de Madonas vestidas con ropa real, estas se solían llevar en procesión y también se colocaban en nichos ricamente decorados. La muestra es una talla de madera aderezada con cabeza y manos de marfil, ojos de vidrio y una peluca hecha con pelo humano. Su lujosa vestimenta se ha recreado utilizando telas de la época, específicamente la seda bordada con hilos de plata y oro. El Niño Jesús sostiene una esfera sobre la cual hay una cruz que representa su dominio del mundo. Debido a su modesto tamaño y uso de materiales lujosos, posiblemente perteneciera a una familia acaudalada que la utilizaría de forma privada y por motivos devocionales.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood, Ivory, Human Hair

Made/Created

Time Period

18th Century, 19th Century

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Statue's Dimension

Height

15 in