École de Cuzco (XVIII-XIX), Attributed to - Vierge à l’Enfant entourée de fleurs

Interesting oil on canvas adhered to a board, belonging to the Cuzqueña School tradition, from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, depicting the Virgin with the Child in a rich devotional composition surrounded by flowers and angels’ heads.

The work presents numerous elements characteristic of colonial Andean painting: the frontal stance and solemnity of the figures, the strong religious character of the scene, the abundant ornamentation of the Virgin’s mantle and the predominance of decorative resources over a strictly naturalistic search.

The Virgin appears depicted with the Child Jesus in her arms, both framed by a wide floral repertoire that occupies a large part of the composition. The mantle, richly decorated with golden motifs, constitutes one of the main visual focal points of the work and responds to the ornamental taste so characteristic of Andean viceroyal painting.

In the lower area there are two small angel heads integrated among flowers and vegetation, while at the top an celestial atmosphere develops with halos and luminous elements that reinforce the sacred character of the representation.

The composition stands out for its chromatic richness, with a predominance of reds, blacks, golds and floral tones, as well as for the contrast between the monumentality of the central figures and the meticulousness of the ornamental elements.

This type of painting was widely diffused in the territories of the old Viceroyalty of Peru, especially through workshops linked to Cusco, where from the 17th century an important painting school developed, merging European religious models with formal and decorative solutions native to the Andean world.

The canvas is currently adhered to a rigid wooden support, probably as a result of an old intervention intended to provide greater stability to the painting.

The work presents a condition in line with its age, showing craquelure, wear, small losses, old restorations and other signs typical of the passing of time. Overall it retains a good aesthetic presence and a proper reading of the composition.

From a private collection.

The work is framed. The frame is included as a gift, with no added commercial value, so its condition will not be a ground for complaint.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and allow a detailed appreciation of the actual conservation state of the piece.

The work will be shipped using professional packaging and carefully protected, employing appropriate materials to guarantee the maximum possible safety during transport.

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An attractive example of South American colonial religious painting, with a strong decorative and devotional character, linked to the artistic tradition of the Cuzqueña School.