Virgen de Copacabana with Detailed Triangular Mantle
Sculpture, carved and polychromed wood/mixed media • Andean Folk Artisan / Workshop of the Andean Region (Peru/Bolivia)
Style & Movement
Latin American Folk Art / Colonial Revival Style
Medium & Technique
Carved wood, gesso, polychrome paint, gilding highlights, and applied decorative detailing
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s–1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height approximately 24-30 inches, vertical sculptural format
Subject Description
Depicts a stylized Virgin Mary, likely inspired by the miraculous Virgin of Copacabana or similar Andean Marian iconography, featuring a rigid, exaggerated triangular mantle or gown covered in intricate folk floral scrollwork, resting on an ornate pedestal, incorporating a prominent crescent moon at the base and a crown
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Structurally sound with stable paint layers, minor surface dust, and natural patina consistent with age and indoor display.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Acquired as a piece of Latin American folk art or decorative devotional art, likely from a regional market or specialized antique/folk art gallery, passed through private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring syncretism of indigenous Andean aesthetic traditions and Spanish colonial Catholic iconography, continuing the centuries-old tradition of Cusco and Andean sculpture workshops.
Notable Features
The striking, highly geometric triangular silhouette of the mantle, rich green and earth-tone polychromy with intricate floral and scroll motifs, and the prominent crescent moon symbol.
Condition Issues
Minor wear to extremities, slight surface abrasion on the polychrome finish, and dust accumulation in recessed carved areas.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dry dusting with a soft-bristle brush, maintenance of stable indoor relative humidity (40-50%), and avoidance of direct sunlight to preserve the polychrome pigments.