Edgar G. Ulmer's 19th-Century Shadow Box Figures of Virgin Madonna and Mourning Madonna....

Description

A gift to Edgar Ulmer from Bruchi, his production manager and assistant in Italy from the late 1940s to the late 1950s, this 21" x 21" shadow box features the figures of the Madonna in Virgin state (on right) and the Madonna in Mourning state (on left) as she beholds the crucifixion of her son Jesus. The exquisite figures, approximately 14" tall, have terracotta heads and lower arms and legs, with hands and faces in polychrome gesso. The Virgin Madonna wears a blue and white robe with gold trim; the Mourning Madonna wears a black robe with gold trim. The peaceful expression of the Virgin Madonna and the anguish in the face of the Mourning Madonna are both remarkable. There is a small nick in the forehead of the Mourning Madonna, and a collapsed leg and minor age markings on the Virgin figure; overall Fair to Good condition. An interesting feature: visible by the Virgin's right leg is the original newspaper stuffing, dating to the late 1700s or early 1800s. The Ulmer family treasured these figures -- Ulmer was fascinated by the sagas of the saints -- and they displayed this shadow box as a beloved fixture in their various homes. From The Edgar G. Ulmer Preservation and Trust Corp.