Virgin of Marseille, Santibelli terracotta, Infant Jesus, cherubs, globe, 19th century
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Virgin of Marseille or santibelli* in polychrome terracotta, representing the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, wearing a yellow dress and a green cloak, standing on a base framed by three cherubs, with its globe, from the late 19th-early 20th centuries.
This Virgin is in good general condition. Damage to the child: the Jesus is missing, most likely intentionally following the death of a child (a common custom in the 19th century: to ask the Infant Jesus to welcome the deceased child, his representation was destroyed in a protective ritual).
Note: Jesus is missing, there are some polychromy losses, and wear and tear from age, see photos.
The " Santibelli " are statuettes generally about forty centimeters tall . Molded in terracotta , but also in plaster , and originating from Italy , they are painted in very bright colors , sometimes sprinkled with glitter, or gilded with gold leaf . The origin of the name of these statuettes is difficult to pinpoint: some suggest a very Marseilles-style nickname that describes a simpleton , a likeable but not very bright fool , as " Santibelli ." Others imagine that " Santibelli " comes from the cry uttered by the Italian vendors who, according to tradition, peddled these objects: " Santi... Belli... "; like a street cry , which, in a shortened form, has remained to designate these statuettes sold by street vendors .