Spanish Colonial. Virgin of Victory oil on canvas, 18th to 19th century. A captivating Spanish Colonial painting depicting the Virgin of Victory holding the Christ Child, both donning bejeweled golden crowns, the Virgin wearing traditional red and blue robes and holding a scepter. The painting demonstrates an interesting blend of European Old World and New World influences. For instance, the crescent moon emerging from the left and right hem of the Virgin's red robe is oftentimes featured in Spanish Colonial paintings. While it symbolizes the Immaculate Conception,that crescent shape is also reminiscent of a tupu, a brooch traditionally used to fasten Inca capes. Furthermore, when viewed in conjunction with the vertical red line, the form of a tumi or ceremonial Inca (also pre-Inca) knife of Peru and Bolivia is suggested. Tumis symbolize victory and conquest - quite apropos given that this is a Virgin of Victory. In addition, below the Virgin and Child is a classical colonnade inhabited by figures, somewhat reminiscent of Andrea Mantegna's "Madonna della Vittoria" (1496). Finally, while Mary and Jesus are rendered in a somewhat naive folk art manner, their faces are contrastingly naturalistic, alluding to the European influence on this piece. A beautiful religious painting mounted in an attractive wooden frame that complements it perfectly. Size: 20" L x 16" W (50.8 cm x 40.6 cm)

On the verso of this painting are several labels that suggest the painting's provenance. One features a biography of Joseph Henry Gest: "Joseph Henry Gest was born in Cincinnati on April 24, 1859. He graduated from Harvard University in 1880 and became affiliated with the Cincinnati Art Museum in 1886. He served as the Director of the Cincinnati Museum from 1902 until 1932. In 1901, he became affiliated with Rookwood Pottery and became President of the Company following the death of William Watts Taylor in 1913. He served in this capacity until 1934. Although known primarily as an administrator, Gest was a fine artist in his own right. He held membership in the Cincinnati Art Club and the National Art Club. He worked in oil and watercolor and frequently painted landscapes depicting Cincinnati and its environs."

Another label provides the address of one Charles T. Henry of St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Another is inscribed with the following, "Joseph Gest" followed by an illegible phrase, followed by "Gest Museum - Primitive Madonna 1500-1600".

Newer labels on the stretchers identify the painting as "Painting in period frame 'Madonna & Christ Child' late 19th c" and "Early 19th c. Continental 'Madonna & Child' in period frame".

Provenance: ex-private Texas, USA collection - Labels on the verso of the painting suggest this painting once belonged to Joseph Henry Gest (Director of the Cincinatti Museum from 1902 to 1932 as well as President of Rookwood Pottery) and Charles T. Henry of St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.

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#178339

Painting shows expected age wear and may have been restored. The composition presents very nicely with vivid imagery and hues. Painting is mounted in an attractive frame boasting a beautiful wood veneer finish that has developed a rich age patina over time. Some scuffs, age cracks, and chips/losses to frame veneer commensurate with age. Label residue at lower right corner of frame. Labels on verso of canvas and stretchers provide possible provenance information. See extended description for complete inscriptions on these labels. Age wear and losses to frame and stretchers as shown. Fit with suspension wire.