Madonna and Son. Dimensions: 22 x 26.2 x 28 cm.

The plaque features an image of a half length, sitting Virgin Mary with her head uncovered and her profile facing left. Baby Jesus is sitting on her knee. He has wriggled free of her embrace but she is still holding him in her hands. This image is taken from a type of sacred plaque made in the 19C particularly in the Emilia region around Modena or Sassuolo. The image is a dignified, accurate artwork enhanced by its bright, down to earth colours. In fact, the frame stands out for its mixed tones of blue and green that is typical of the basins, bowls and water jugs that were popular with peasants in the 1800s.