DepartmentUnited States & Canada

Matchstick Madonna

NameMatchstick Madonna

Maker Napoleon Paouette

Date1956

Place madeUnited States, North America

MediumWood, plastic, paint, paper, ink, metal

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/8 x 15 15/16 x 12 in. (35.8 x 40.5 x 30.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, from the collection of Eric Zafran, FA.2010.96.

Object numberFA.2010.96.36

DescriptionLight skinned plastic Madonna in off-white dress and blue robe and off-white head covering, all trimmed in dulled gold, stands with arms outstretched atop a seven tiered base of white painted wood stairs fronted with white painted match sticks in repeated stepped terrace motif with red painted tips. Pairs of small stairs run from the base, with a single set of stairs to the top platform where the Madonna stands. The back is not stepped, but the matches continue in seven rows across the back. On the bottom is written: To Mr & Mrs Esmire Thibeault 33 Elm St From Napolean Paouette 1956.