Virgin of Marseille, Santibelli, Mary and Child Jesus, terracotta globe, 19th century
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Virgin of Marseille or santibelli* in polychrome and gilded terracotta, representing the Virgin Mary holding the Infant Jesus on her left arm, standing on a base framed by two cherubs, with its decorations and ornamentation, two small putti kneeling on the base, with its globe, from the late 19th-early 20th centuries.
This Virgin Mary statue is in good overall condition and is of fine quality. It is very decorative.
Note: accident and missing wing of the right angel (see red arrow), some small cracks at the round base (at the putti and pedestal), wear and tear of time especially on the decorations (fabric slightly torn), 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 .
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