French school, 18th century

French School, XVIII century
"Virgin and Child".
Polychrome and gilded wood carving.
In good general condition. It presents slight losses in the polychrome according to its age.
Measurements: 85 cm (height).

Refined sculpture of the Virgin and Child belonging to the French school of the XVIII century, in which the aesthetic ideals of the Rococo period are fully manifested, characterized by formal elegance, compositional grace and an intimate sense of devotion.

The figure is articulated by means of a marked movement in contrapposto, with a smooth displacement of the hips and an elegant twist of the torso that endows the whole with lightness and dynamism. This sinuous rhythm is reinforced by the treatment of the drapery, resolved in wide undulating folds that fall naturally, creating a play of light and shadow that demonstrates the skill of the sculptor.

The face of the Virgin, with delicate features and self-absorbed expression, responds to an ideal of serene and spiritualized beauty, far from the preceding baroque severity. The inclination of the head and the sweetness of the gaze reinforce the intimate character of the maternal-filial relationship. The Child, represented with naturalism and in an attitude of blessing, introduces a dynamic counterpoint.

It is worth mentioning the quality of the gilding and polychromy, where richly stewed surfaces alternate with soft flesh tones, providing depth and visual richness to the whole. This type of finish was typical of specialized workshops, destined for a wealthy clientele or cult spaces of a certain rank.