A stylized cast plaster devotional statue depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, designed with elegant Gothic Revival and Art Deco influences. The Madonna is rendered in elongated vertical proportions with delicately downcast eyes, holding the Infant Jesus who cradles a globe or orb in his hands. The veil and mantle feature a distinctive row of stylized, scalloped spiral curls running down the side and reverse, flowing into heavy vertical drapery folds around the plinth base.

Condition Report & Historical Details

• Subject: Madonna and Child (Virgin Mary and Infant Jesus)
• Material / Technique: Mold-cast plaster / chalkware with a matte off-white finish
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Markings: Incised model number "70" to the right side of the base
• Decorative Details: Art Deco stylized veil margins, sweeping vertical drapery, Christ Child holding an orb
• Colour & Surface: Off-white and cream surface tones with aged patina and light surface grime
• Condition: Light paint flaking and small surface chips to the crown of Mary's head, the child's head, and along base corners; structurally sound

History

During the early to mid-20th century, European devotional art studios—particularly in France and Belgium—produced cast plaster and chalkware statuary blending traditional Gothic iconography with sleek Art Deco stylization. These pieces were popular for private domestic shrines, convent chapels, and parish settings, celebrating clean lines and simplified geometric folds while maintaining sacred traditional subject matter.