A beautiful sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary standing, her hands clasped in prayer and contemplation. Carved from polychrome carved wood, it retains a beautiful patina and traces of its original polychromy in shades of brick red/brown and blue. The Virgin is depicted wearing a long, belted robe and a flowing mantle whose soft, elegant folds envelop her figure. Her delicately angled face, inclined downwards, expresses gentleness, humility, and spiritual contemplation. This iconography, widespread in Italian religious art, evokes Mary's purity and her acceptance of the divine plan. This sculpture likely belonged to a group of sculptures intended to represent a crucifixion, for example, in a private chapel or oratory. 16th-century Italian sculpture, likely from the Emilia region, sold as is: good overall condition, some wear and losses, old traces of woodworm – iron base added later. Height 122 cm 45 x 30 cm Approx. 25 kg