18th century, Nursing Madonna

18th century Nursing Madonna Polychrome stucco, height 76 cm This Madonna is depicted breastfeeding the Child, thus qualifying as Virgo lactans. The gentle inclination of the Virgin's face, tenderly turned to the lively Son, generates an optical convexity that allows one to appreciate the entire sculpture as if enclosed in an oval. The wise use of polychromy, mainly alternating in warm and dark colors, contributes to characterizing the present sculpture with profound expressiveness. The use of stucco as a sculptural element had ancient origins, with the first examples of this plasticizing practice being recorded in the palaces of Umayyad Jericho; recovered in the Hellenistic period, in Rome stucco was mainly used as a base for painted reliefs, as can be observed in the House of Farnesina and in the Domus Aurea. Between the High Middle Ages and the early 16th century, there was a standstill in production, soon filled by the widespread production of stucco statues within papal Rome. The mixture was generally made by agglomerating plaster and finely crushed marble, mixed with lime and water. Subsequently, a layer of casein or fish glue was spread on the surface for the pictorial pigment. The stucco decoration in plastic in the round, in high relief or in the architectural squares in decorative elements thus substantiated the following centuries, becoming popular in the 18th century. The object is in a good state of conservation. With Ars Antiqua it is possible to defer all amounts up to a maximum of €7,500 at ZERO RATE, for a total of 15 INSTALLMENTS. Ex. Tot. €4,500 = Monthly installment €300 for 15 months. Ex. Tot. €3,600 = Monthly installment €720 for 5 months. For amounts exceeding €7,500 or for a longer deferral (over 15 installments), we can provide a personalized payment. Contact us directly to get the best quote. TV LIVE – SUNDAY 7.00 PM – 11.00 PM Dig.terr. 126 + 809 SKY - THURSDAY 9.00 PM - 12.00 PM Dig.terr. 134 + 809 SKY – Streaming on our website www.arsantiquasrl.com and on our social networks Facebook and Youtube All works offered by Ars Antiqua are sold with a certificate of authenticity in accordance with the law and an accurate in-depth sheet. It is possible to see the works directly at the Milan showroom gallery, in via Pisacane 55 and 57. We personally organize transports and deliveries of the works, both for Italy and abroad.