157

Ivory sculpture depicting the Madonna of Trapani, Sicily, late 17th - early 18th century

Height x width: 16.7 x 6 x 3.8 cm. Total weight: 159.5 g
sculpted in the round, placed on a rich mother-of-pearl cloud decoration and resting on an alabaster base.
The Virgin is depicted according to traditional iconography, standing with the Child Jesus on her left arm, while with her right hand she seems to be making a protective gesture. The attitude is majestic and at the same time maternal, conforming to the model of the venerated Marian image preserved at the Sanctuary of the Annunziata in Trapani. The drapery is sculpted with great fluidity, full of soft, deep folds that give movement to the figure. The Madonna's face is gentle and serene and the Child is depicted in a lively but composed attitude.
Bases of this type, composed of fine materials such as alabaster and mother-of-pearl were widely used in Sicily and even more so in Trapani because of their value and luminosity. Among the most renowned Trapani sculptors and carvers of the 18th century were the brothers Andrea and Alberto Tipa, known for their skill in working with fine materials such as ivory, coral, amber, and shell.
This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-177)
26/01/2026 21:45:33
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€ 6.000,00 / 8.000,00
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3.800,00 €
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Live auction 369

SILVER ANTIQUES, IVORIES, WUNDERKAMMER - Including selected Works of Art from the Count Luigi Rigi Luperti Collection

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, thu 19 February 2026
SINGLE SESSION 19/02/2026 Hours 15:00
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