Seated Madonna - Portuguese School - 18th Century

The saint, with her arms outstretched, embodies a symbol of welcome and kindness.
She is dressed in a long gown adorned with golden flowers.
Diamond-like glass beads adorn her chest.

Several techniques were used to create this sculpture.
The plaster body is decorated using the “estofado” painting technique.
Of Spanish origin, this technique emerged during the Gothic period before developing further during the Renaissance and the Baroque period.
It involves imitating the appearance of gold and precious fabrics, particularly religious textiles such as brocades.
The extremities of the sculpture (hand, feet, and head) are made of terracotta.
Finally, the base is made of carved and gilded wood.

A few areas of material loss are noted, such as on the right hand.
The head has also undergone some restoration.

-A comparable object is held in the collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Portugal, inv. 90.

Dimensions:
Height: 17.5 cm
Width: 12 cm
Depth: 9 cm

Portugal, second half of the 18th century