Magnificent sculpted Huamanga stone relief, with polychrome and gilt residue. Viceroyalty work. Ayacucho Peru. 17th - 18th century. "The Descent of Christ with the Virgin and Mary Magdalene". 23 x 17 x 6cm. This beautiful relief bears similarities to the works made in Huamanga stone by Luis González, as can be seen in the physiognomy of the faces of Christ and the angel, and the decoration of the coloured feathers of the latter. It is interesting to note that this relief retains much of its original polychrome. The sculptural treatment is by the hand of a great Master, as is demonstrated by the many small and intricate folds that make up Mary Magdalene’s mantle and the expressions of pain. Huamanga stone is a type of white alabaster with delicate transparencies which takes its name from its place of origin, Huamanga, currently in the Ayacucho region, where an interesting production of sculptures and reliefs flourished, usually dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Christ and saints. Similar examples can be found in the Pedro de Osma Museum in Lima.