Lot 234a, Auction 4/20/2026: 2 Baroque Gilt Wood Figures – Angel & Mary w/ Glass Eye

$455.00

In stock

Western Europe, Italy, Baroque period, ca. late 17th century CE; Spanish Colonial, ca. 18th century CE. A late 17th century Italian angel and an 18th century Spanish Colonial Virgin Mary, the latter with striking glass eyes, form this compelling devotional pair – each figure carved in wood, richly gessoed, painted, and gilded in the lavish spirit of the Baroque. The Virgin kneels on a rocky base with her hand to her chest, her long carved hair cascading down her back, and remnants of brilliant gold and painted floral motifs adorning her pink, orange, and blue robes. Her lifelike glass eyes lend an arresting spiritual realism to her upturned face. The angel, more modest in scale and wear, strides forward in a gold robe, its motion preserved in the twist of the torso and bend of the knee. Though his arms and wings are now lost, the remnants of polychrome and expressive carving speak to his original role – perhaps annunciatory or protective. Size of larger (Mary): 4″ L x 5″ W x 10.1″ H (10.2 cm x 12.7 cm x 25.7 cm)

Together, the figures reflect a transatlantic tradition of sacred art, designed to captivate the faithful and make the divine visible.

Figures like these were common in both public chapels and private domestic shrines, where they served not only as objects of veneration but as visual conduits for divine presence. Though separated by distance and origin, the two share a language of devotion – rooted in Catholic ritual and Baroque theatricality.

Condition: Angel is missing wings, arms, and halo. Mary is missing left forearm, left eye, and halo. Both have areas of chipping and abrasions. Liberal remains of gilding and rich patina throughout. Angel is detachable from original stand; Mary’s stand is modern.

Provenance: ex-Jasper collection, Illinois, USA; ex-Dennis Herr collection; ex-Leland Mast collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.