What is a madonna carving?

A madonna carving is a three-dimensional representation of the Virgin Mary, frequently shown with the infant Christ. These devotional objects were created for private prayer or ecclesiastical settings across various European regions.

How old are these carvings?

The pieces span from pre-sixteenth century medieval works to twentieth-century pendants. Most wooden sculptures date from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods, while gold charms largely originate around nineteen hundred.

How were polychrome statues finished?

Carvers applied a gesso foundation directly onto the timber base before painting the surface with pigments. Gold leaf was often added to halos and garments to catch candle light within religious spaces.

What woods were used?

Oak and walnut are the most common hardwoods found in larger European sculptures. Appleswood and various other dense hardwoods also appear in smaller devotional figures and domestic carvings.