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Dimensions: measurements note 28cm.; 11in.

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Notes: This gilt-bronze Virgin of the Immaculate Conception demonstrates delicate tooling and carefully differentiated surface textures that impart the hand of a master-sculptor. Alessandro Algardi, together with his rival Gian-Lorenzo Bernini, was one the foremost sculptors in Rome in the 17υth century. The small bronzes attributed to Algardi's hand retain the majesty of his large scale works.

In her 1989 monograph, Jennifer Montagu attributed a gilt-bronze Virgin of the Immaculate Conception formerly with Matthiesen Fine Art to Algardi based on its stylistic similarity to other works in the sculptor's oeuvre, more specifically the fall and flow of the drapery folds and the cursory treatment of the back of the bronze. She has likewise given the present Virgin to the master sculptor, explaining that the two bronzes were most probably cast from the same mould. As the Matthiesen bronze was stolen from the collection, the comparison between the two versions can only be made from a photograph. However, there are distinct differences in composition and cold working, which was probably re-worked by Algardi both in the wax and after the bronze was cast. The Matthiesen bronze was integrally cast with a cloud and crescent moon and exhibits distinct tooling on the fold of the Virgin's cloak which is not evident in the present bronze. This Virgin Immaculata has more delicately worked surfaces and distinction in facial features.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Montagu: Alessandro Algardi (New Haven and London, 1985) vol. II, p. 347-8, no. 42