Assumption of the Virgin (or Maria Immaculata)
Painting on canvas • Follower of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo or Spanish School
Style & Movement
Baroque/Spanish Golden Age style
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing chiaroscuro and atmospheric sfumato to create a sense of divine radiance.
Creation Period
Late 17th Century to Early 18th Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 100 x 80 cm; vertical rectangular portrait format.
Subject Description
The Virgin Mary is depicted in a moment of spiritual ecstasy, eyes cast upward toward a divine light. She is draped in a white tunic and a blue mantle, traditional colors representing purity and heaven. A small cherub is visible in the lower left corner, signifying her ascent or status as the Queen of Angels.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface grime and aging consistent with its period.
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; stylistic features suggest a European private collection, likely originating from a Spanish or Italian religious context.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the profound influence of Murillo’s 'Inmaculadas' on religious art across Europe. It serves as a representative example of Counter-Reformation devotional painting designed to inspire piety through emotional expression.
Notable Features
The blue and gold carved frame appears contemporary to the work or a high-quality later addition, enhancing the ecclesiastical aesthetic. The soft facial modeling is a direct homage to Sevillian Baroque masters.
Condition Issues
Visible craquelure across the paint film, yellowing of the protective varnish layer, and minor abrasions along the frame edges. Possible historical relining.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and varnish removal/replacement. Consolidation of any lifting paint and stable climate-controlled environment to prevent further craquelure expansion.