Madonna with Calla Lily
Painting on canvas • Signature appears to read 'M. della Valle' (or similar Italian name); Manner of 20th-century European Modernist devotional art.
Style & Movement
Modernist Devotional Art / Post-Impressionist influence. The piece blends traditional Catholic iconography with mid-century stylized abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas. The technique utilizes a mosaic-like application of paint with visible, blocky brushstrokes to create a luminous, radiating effect around the subject's head.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A portrait of the Virgin Mary (Madonna) looking downward with a serene expression. She wears a blue veil and holds a white calla lily, a symbol of purity and the Resurrection. A geometric, radiating halo surrounds her head, suggesting divinity and spiritual light.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The surface appears somewhat dull, possibly due to accumulated dust or a yellowed varnish layer. The frame shows minor mechanical wear.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private collection or acquired from a gallery specializing in liturgical or mid-century decorative arts. No specific labels are visible in the photograph.
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the mid-century trend of updating religious iconography for modern interiors, moving away from hyper-realistic traditionalism toward more expressive, painterly interpretations.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'shattered' or faceted treatment of light in the background and halo, which creates a stained-glass effect typical of mid-century modern sacred art.
Condition Issues
Possible surface grime and slight discoloration of the varnish. Minor abrasions along the edges near the frame. Tension of the canvas may have slackened slightly over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a light re-varnish would improve color saturation. Check for stretcher bar marks and ensure the painting is stored in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.