Sculpture, Nossa Senhora da Conceição - 26.5 cm - Steatite, Alabaster

Nossa Senhora da Conceição (The Immaculate Conception)
Brazil (Minas Gerais), 18th century, or Luso-Brazilian
Carved steatite (pedra sabão) with traces of original polychromy; mounted on a later alabaster foot
Height: 26.5 cm; Weight: 1,887 g

This finely carved devotional figure represents the Virgin Mary as Nossa Senhora da Conceição, the Immaculate Conception, one of the most venerated Marian titles in both Portugal and colonial Brazil. The Virgin stands upon swirling clouds with three cherub heads, her arms crossed over her chest in a gesture of purity and humility. The softly modelled face, flowing drapery, and upward movement recall Portuguese Baroque prototypes while reflecting a local devotional idiom.

The sculpture is carved in steatite (pedra sabão), a soft soapstone native to the region of Minas Gerais, an area in southeastern Brazil that became a major artistic centre during the 18th century. Rich in gold and stone quarries, Minas Gerais fostered a flourishing school of Baroque sculpture, most famously associated with the artist Aleijadinho (Antônio Francisco Lisboa). Small devotional images such as this one were produced for private worship, combining European iconography with local materials and craftsmanship.
Mount: later round alabaster base (not original).

Condition: minor wear, small age-related fissures, traces of polychromy remain.