Carved and painted wooden figure of the Madonna, Apocalyptic type, also known as the 'Reigning Queen', or the 'Queen of Poland'. The base is a rectangular slab with corners cut off, and incorporates the feet of the Madonna. The base and feet have the remains of white paint, water-based. The rest of the figure, pegged to the base, is made from a single piece of wood. The figure has shoulder length hair on one side, shorter on the other, indicated by deep carved incisions painted a pale yellow, a shift painted white and with a star motif, with a collar or necklace indicated in small gouged motifs in a semicircle, a cloak with a shoulder cape which extends to the ground, painted blue with a repeated motif carved out, and an open crown painted white. A barely visible cross motif below the centre of the collar or necklace. The hands are folded together as if in prayer. The figure is barefoot, with schematic feet. The figure is not painted at the back, and may have been made for a roadside or household shrine. The sculpture consists of two pieces of wood (figure and base) joined with a special nail used in carpentry. The blue coat indicates Mary’s virginity.
probably for a roadside or household shrine
