19th – 20th century
Madonna and Child Enthroned
Statuario Marble, H 86 x W 37 x D 42
Elegant statuario marble sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child enthroned, made between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, inspired by Renaissance and late Gothic models. The figure of the Virgin Mary, with a serene and absorbed expression, is depicted seated on an architectural throne, characterized by refined decorative details, including a tympanum sculpted with classical motifs. The Child Jesus is depicted in a natural and affectionate attitude, expressing a sweetness and intimacy typical of the Marian iconographic tradition.
Clearly inspired by Renaissance sculpture, with particular attention to the treatment of drapery and the delicacy of the faces, it echoes classic models of 15th-16th century Italian sculpture, evoking the works of artists such as Donatello and Desiderio da Settignano.
The quality of the execution and the attention to detail suggest a realization between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period in which there was a strong revival of classical and Renaissance styles, thanks to the neo-Renaissance taste and the revival of sacred art. An interesting reference in this context is the work of Alceo Dossena (1878-1937), an Italian sculptor known for his extraordinary ability to create works inspired by the masters of the past. Dossena did not limit himself to copying Renaissance or Gothic sculptures, but reinterpreted the techniques and style of the era with exceptional mastery. The marble work highlights a high level of craftsmanship, with fluid drapery and a refined sense of movement.
The sculpture is in excellent overall condition, with slight signs of wear consistent with its age.