Shell Madonna

NameAssemblage

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Place madeItaly, Europe

MediumWood, paper, shells, paint, ink, plaster, possibly bone or claw pieces, metal

DimensionsOverall: 15 5/16 x 12 13/16 x 1 7/8 in. (38.9 x 32.6 x 4.7 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, gift of Eric Zafran, FA.2010.97.4

Object numberFA.2010.97.4

DescriptionOval color print of Madonna and child (identified as M.S.S. di Montenegro at bottom) within a bas relief "frame" of gold-painted half rods on pieces of filet frames at bottom sides. Overhead arches a blue painted backing board with rows of various small white or pearlescent sea shells around the edges and ground orange dyed shell in the upper corners. More shells on blue frame flank the gold "columns" and below, a blue painted base is also decorated with shells, shell or claw radiant forms with a tooth or claw circle in the center. Framed in gold frame, under glass.