Italian school (XVIII) - Bildnis der Heiligen Maria / Maria im Gebet (Brustbild)

Portrait of Saint Mary / Mary in Prayer (Bust)

Oval painting of a young Mary with a gently uplifted gaze, dressed in a pink gown with a yellow scarf and blue veil. The depiction captivates with its emotional warmth and the fine baroque lighting, inspired by motifs of Italian masters.
Artist: Unknown
Country of origin: Italy
Date/Period: About 1750 (18th century)
Style: Baroque
Technique: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: Image: 34.7 cm x 26.8 cm
With frame: 41 cm x 33 cm
Frame: Later oval wooden frame (not from the period), handmade and gilded with gold leaf.
Condition: In age-appropriate good, unrestored original condition with beautiful, authentic patina.
Paint layer & surface: Even, fine craquelure (age-related cracking of the paint layer) distributed over the entire motif and the face.
Two small, point-like losses/paint flakes in the forehead/hairline area.
A slight, vertically running texture or irregularity in the canvas weave left of the head.
Pigment: In the lower image area (at the knot of the veil and at the gown) visible rubbed areas and small pigment flakings.
No obvious disturbing retouching.
Backside & canvas: Original, coarse-woven historic canvas on oval cradle/strainer.
Frame: The later, handmade gold-leaf frame shows decorative wear along the edges (where the red bole substrate slightly shows through) as well as a charming aged patina, but is completely intact and stable.
Shipping: Will be securely packed and insured for transport.