Europe, Portugal, ca. 18th century CE. An elegantly carved and decorated alabaster praying Madonna with a tilted head and gently curving body, hands pressed together in a prayerful gesture, and lowered eyes. Dressed in traditional blue mantle, red robe, and gown adorned with golden stars, she stands upon a crescent moon upon which a trio of cherubs rest. A somewhat similar composition - only with a cherub supporting the moon - was used in Spanish Colonial depictions of Our Lady of Guadalupe inspired by medieval illustrations of the Apocalyptic Woman that may be traced back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Rare to find such a finely carved rendering in alabaster so painstakingly hand painted! Custom wood mount. Size: Madonna alone measures 9.25" H (23.5 cm); 10.75" H (27.3 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex- Estate of M. Reiniger, Chicago, IL, acquired at Gary E. Young 18th& 19th Century Antiques, Centreville, MD

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#111504

Expected surface wear, abrasions, and pigment loss. Horizontal groove on back. Crescent moon shows possible old break at left end; however, this may be the original terminus due to the dimensions of the original piece of alabaster. Normal wear and nicks to wood mount.