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Ivory sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary, Sicily, late 17th - early 18th century
Height x width: 12 x 3.7 cm. Total weight: 86.5 g
sculpted in the round, caught in an attitude of intense spirituality.
The figure is depicted with her arms folded across her breast and her gaze lowered, in a gesture of recollection and humble acceptance, typical of depictions of the Virgin Mary at the moment of the Annunciation, or even the more generic theme of the Virgin in prayer.
The artwork is distinguished by the refined workmanship of the drapery, which softly envelops the body, creating a fluid and realistic dynamism. The face, gentle and delicately modelled, is framed by hair gathered with sober elegance.
The sculpture rests on a turned ivory base, emphasising its character as a private devotional object.
This kind of representation was intended for domestic devotion, often part of small private altars or noble collections, and reflects the profound religiousness and high artistic level of island production of the time.
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. 2025-176)
Bid history:
€ 3.500,00 / 5.000,00
Estimate
2.000,00 €
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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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