19th century articulated wooden figure of the Virgin Mary

Anonymous
Spain; 19th century
Polychrome wood, inset glass eyes

Approximate size: 37 x 11 x 7 cm

An antique ‘Virgin cap I pota’ or Sorrowful Virgin intended for private devotion. The present sculpture features articulated legs and arms which would allow the figure to be arranged in various poses and dressed using fine textiles. The beautiful expressiveness of this figure is found in the Virgin’s countenance and delicately poised hands, both intended to emerge from the applied textiles, now lost.

The grain of the wood shows beneath its original polychromy, adding further texture and dimension to this sculpture beyond its already unique figural form.

Condition: Minor flaws to the polychromy, small holes present in the wood (intended for mounting textiles to the wooden frame), minor losses to the left hand and foot. Altogether a condition commensurate with age and use.