Sculpture, Grande Madonna Addolorata. - 57 cm - Wood, Terracotta, Silk, Glass

Madonna Addolorata under a glass bell – terracotta, wood, glass eyes and original garments – early 19th century

Fascinating and intense Madonna Addolorata dating from the early 19th century, splendid testimony of Italian devotional statuary, characterized by a remarkably stage presence and strong expressiveness.

The figure presents a head modeled in polychrome terracotta, with refined glass eyes, an element that gives the face a particularly lively, deep and moving look. The hands and feet are made of wood, in keeping with the traditional technique of dressed statues intended for private and domestic devotion.

The pose of the figure is very beautiful: the face turned upward, the slightly opened mouth and the raised hands effectively convey the sentiment of pain and participation inherent to the iconography of the Our Lady of Sorrows. The features are delicate, with a modeled and painted hair, and overall the sculpture shows a workmanship of good quality.

Particularly evocative is the antique textile trousseau, with a dark silk dress, decorative applications and embroidery, lace and a light underdress ending with a wide worked edge. The fabrics inevitably show the passage of about two centuries: there are signs of wear, tears, fragility and partial losses, especially in the silk parts and in the embroidery. It is this conservation, not fully restored, that nonetheless gives the Madonna authentic charm and a historic patina that is hard to reproduce.

The sculpture is preserved under a large glass-blown bell, resting on a circular wooden base, also antique and coherent with the period of the ensemble. The bell provides not only protection but magnificently completes the composition, transforming it into a true cabinet de curiosités object.

Dimensions:
– overall height with bell: 57 cm
– base/bell diameter: about 23.5 cm
– height of the Madonna alone: about 47 cm
– maximum width of the figure: about 17 cm

Condition report

The piece is offered in its current state, with evident signs of time consistent with its age. The sculptural component retains a remarkable presence, while the antique textiles show wear, losses and degraded parts and could benefit from conservative treatment or specialist restoration.

It is nevertheless important to emphasize that the object remains extraordinarily fascinating and highly decorative even in its current state: personally we believe that its patina, imperfections and the fragility of old materials substantially contribute to its character.

Interior design insertion

A piece of great impact, perfect as a focal element in a refined interior, in a substantial library, above a console or an antique piece of furniture, or inserted into contemporary settings where the contrast between modern design and ancient devotional art can create a particularly sophisticated result. Splendid also for a collection of sacred art, folk sculpture and devotional objects of the 19th century.

The glass bell moreover enhances its museum-like presence, making the whole a true collectible and conversation piece.

The photographs are an integral part of the description and document materials, quality, patina and state of conservation with precision.

Professional packing and shipping. The particular fragility of the glass bell will require dedicated packing. Ankerior specializes in logistics for works of art and cultural goods, with specific training at Palazzo Spinelli, Florence, for packing, handling, transport and art logistics. The work will thus be prepared with particular attention to the separate protection of the sculpture, the base and the glass bell during transport.