Virgin Of Marseille, Santibelli, Mary And Child Jesus, Terracotta Globe, 19th Century

Virgin of Marseille or Santibelli* in polychrome and gilded terracotta, depicting the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus on her left arm, standing on a base flanked by two cherubs, with its decorations and ornamentation, two small putti kneeling on the base, with its globe, dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. This Virgin is in good overall condition and is of fine quality. It is very decorative. The support is not original, having been added. Note: damage and missing wing of the right-hand angel (see red arrow), some small cracks in the round base (near the putti and the pedestal), wear consistent with age, particularly on the decorations (fabric slightly torn), see photos. *Santibelli: "Santibelli" are statuettes generally about forty centimeters tall. Molded in terracotta, but also in plaster, and originating from Italy, they are painted in very bright colors, sometimes sprinkled with glitter, or gilded with gold leaf. The origin of the name of these statuettes is difficult to pinpoint: some suggest a typical Marseilles nickname, "Santibelli," which refers to the village simpleton, the likeable but not very bright fool. Others imagine that "Santibelli" comes from the cry uttered by the Italian vendors who, according to tradition, hawked these objects: "Santi... Belli..."; like a street cry, which, in a shortened form, has remained to designate these statuettes sold by street vendors. ATTENTION: FOR A DELIVERY QUOTE, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH THE CITY AND COUNTRY OF DESTINATION. Dimensions: Diameter 21 cm, Height with globe 51 cm / Virgin 38.5 cm. Reference: D10 126. All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com