Immaculate Virgin, Carved From Polychrome Wood

Gilded and polychrome wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception orImmaculata.

Free from originalsin, the Immaculate Virgin is depicted with her attributes:

• The crescent moon reflecting the light of Christ, a sign of purity

• The serpent, a symbol of evil crushed, at her feet

• The crown, representing heavenly kingship

• The scepter, a sign of spiritual power, protection, and the messianic legitimacy of Jesus

The calmand serene expression of the Christ Child echoes the gentle face of the Virgin. TheMessiah is depicted as the Salvator Mundi, holding theEarth in one hand and blessing human creation with the other.

The Virgin restson a pedestal featuring the blue globe surrounded by twofaces of Putti.

The work is executed withgreat skill; the flowing drapery of Christ’s mothersymbolizes her ascent above the clouds. Great attention todetail is evident in both the hands and the faces. The colors haveremained very fresh.

Probablyoriginally commissioned for a convent chapeldedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

18th-centuryperiod.