A Gothic Revival polychrome painted plaster sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child, modeled in the classic medieval French tradition. The crowned Virgin Mary is draped in a dark teal mantle over a deep red tunic, gently holding the Infant Christ nestled against her shoulder. The figure features elongated proportions, delicate facial sculpting, and sweeping vertical drapery folds resting on a stepped black pedestal base.

Condition Report & Details

• Subject / Sitter: Madonna and Child (Virgin Mary with Infant Jesus)
• Period: Early to Mid-20th Century
• Material / Technique: Hand-painted plaster (chalkware)
• Decorative Details: Crowned Virgin with veil, teal mantle, crimson robe, black painted base
• Markings: None visible; base is smooth unfinished plaster
• Condition: Widespread paint loss and flaking revealing underlying white plaster, notably across the crown, Christ's hair, drapery edges, hands, and base perimeter; structure is solid

History

Devotional sculptures executed in the Gothic Revival idiom were popular throughout Europe and North America from the late 19th through the mid-20th century. Taking inspiration from 13th- and 14th-century French cathedral figures, these statues were created for conventual chapels, parish settings, and private home altars to evoke medieval piety and maternal tenderness.