South America, Brazil, probably Minas Gerais, ca. 18th century CE. A wonderful gilt and painted wood oratory featuring carved-stone figures of the Crucifixion with the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception on one side, Saint Rita of Cascia at the other, and Saint Anne teaching the Virgin Mary, her daughter, how to read below. The figures are finely carved with remarkable details - flowing garments, fine facial features, expressive visages and gestures, and realistic anatomy - and they retain nice traces of polychrome. The wooden nicho is beautifully painted to create a sky blue background for these figures that is further embellished with pink floral blossoms and golden holy light radiating from the Cross surrounded by billowing clouds of the celestial realm. The exterior of the nicho with all of its elegant flourishes is beautifully embellished with rich shades of blue, black, and red as well as lustrous gilding. Size: 3.8" L x 8.9" W x 20.6" H (9.7 cm x 22.6 cm x 52.3 cm)

Provenance: private Graftan, Wisconsin, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery; ex-private Cincinnati, Ohio, USA collection; ex-Peyton Wright Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#184282

Wooden oratory and Jesus's left arm have been professionally repaired with break lines visible. Saint Rita of Cascia is missing right forearm. Nicks, chips, and abrasions throughout. Nice remaining pigments and detail with rich patina.