Virgin Of Marseille, Santibelli, Mary And Child Jesus, Terracotta Cherubs, 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 from which four cherub heads emerge, dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. This Virgin is in good overall condition and of fine quality. It does not have a globe. Note: the small cross on the orb held by the child is missing, there are some areas where the polychromy and gilding are missing, and there is wear consistent with age (see photos). *Santibelli: "Santibelli" are statuettes generally about 40 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 it's a Marseilles nickname, "Santibelli," referring to the village simpleton, the likeable but not very bright fool. Others imagine that "Santibelli" comes from the cry of the Italian vendors who, according to tradition, hawked these objects: "Santi... Belli..."; like a street cry, which, through a shortened form, has remained to designate these statuettes sold by street vendors. Dimensions: base 10.5 cm x 8.5 cm; Height: 35.5 cm. Reference: D10 125. All photos are available at: www.antiques-delaval.com