Antique Cuzco Oil painting, Madonna, 19/20th Century, Framed
£745
Cuzco School, Madonna and Child, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
This striking Cuzco School oil painting on board depicts the Madonna in the richly decorative sacred style associated with colonial Peruvian art. Dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, the work reflects the enduring influence of the Cusco School tradition, renowned for its fusion of European iconography with indigenous Andean symbolism.
Description
Cuzco School, Virgin Mary (Marian Devotional Image)
Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Oil on Board, in Period Frame
This richly decorative Cuzco School oil painting on board depicts the Virgin Mary as a solemn, frontal sacred figure, rendered in the distinctive devotional style associated with Andean colonial religious art. Dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, the work reflects the enduring influence of the Cusco School tradition, which fused European Catholic iconography with indigenous Peruvian symbolism, ornament, and surface patterning.
The Virgin is shown crowned and haloed, standing beneath theatrical drapery that frames the composition and reinforces its ceremonial character. She holds symbolic objects associated with Marian devotion, including a lit candle and floral elements, while her richly patterned garments are adorned with jewel-like detailing and stylised floral motifs. The symmetrical composition, flattened perspective, and emphasis on surface decoration are hallmarks of Cusco School painting, privileging spiritual presence and authority over naturalistic realism.
Notably, the Infant Christ is absent from this composition. Instead, Mary is presented as a standalone sacred figure, a format commonly associated with Marian devotions such as Our Lady of Light, Our Lady of the Rosary, or related cult images popular throughout colonial and post-colonial Latin America.
Executed in oil on board and presented in a handsome period frame with a red velvet slip and gilt inner border, the painting retains strong devotional impact alongside considerable decorative appeal. Works of this type were traditionally created for private worship or small chapels and are now highly sought after by collectors of Latin American religious art and Cuzco School painting.
Oil on board, structurally stable, paint surface shows light age-related craquelure and minor wear, consistent with the period. Colours remain rich, saturated, and well preserved. No major losses or intrusive restoration observed. Frame with velvet slip shows expected wear and patina, but remains solid and visually complementary
Overall, the work is presented very well and is entirely appropriate for its age and devotional tradition.
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used; therefore, they will show signs of being antique, vintage or used. There may be signs of scratches, discolouration, chips, cracks, wear and tear, unknown manufacturers and/or patterns. Please see the photographs as they form part of the description. Overseas buyers in some countries may be required to pay any import duties, taxes, or fees. All items are meticulously wrapped and prepared for both UK and international shipping. Overseas buyers, please get in touch for courier charges.
