**Originally Listed At $150**

Josefina Aguilar (Mexican, XX-XXI century). Religious sculpture - hand painted terracotta figures, 20th century. Signed on back of golden robe. A lovely painted pottery sculpture by Oaxacan ceramic folk artist Josefina Aguilar. Josefina and her three sisters began creating their ceramic figures in the village of Ocatlan in Oaxaca in the last quarter of the 20th century. Josefina, in particular, gained international fame when Nelson Rockefeller collected her work during trips to Oaxaca in the 1970s. This piece is one of Josefina's small clay figures known as munecas depicting the Virgen del Carmen. Floral applique's of gold and silver hues adorn the Virgin's lavender garment, and a cross-adorned crown tops her head with a white ruffled veil framing her visage and cascading over her long golden robe. She holds the crowned Child in one arm and a cactus plant in the other. Size: 11.25" H (28.6 cm)

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the Virgin Mary's identities in Spain. She is believed to protect the living on earth as well as the souls in purgatory. Consistent with her role as protector and mother, this sculpture presents the Virgen del Carmen with a kind expression on her face as she gazes downward, indicating that she is looking after her devotees.

The Aguilar sisters' creations celebrate Mexican traditions and folklore with imagery of Frida Kahlo, Day of the Dead, market scenes, historical, Virgin de Guadalupe, as well as Virgen del Carmen and other religious figures. Works by the Aguilar sisters have been collected by the International Folk Art Museum of Santa Fe, the Rockefeller wing of the San Antonio Art Museum, and the Mexican Museums of San Francisco and Chicago. Although Josefina is now blind, she still practices, creating wonderful figures from her imagination.

Provenance: ex-Morgan collection, Santa Monica, California, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#176582

Signed on back of golden robe. A few minor surface scuffs and abrasions as shown. Minute spot of yellow pigment on verso of veil; a few other stray marks. Some pinprick holes presumably to ensure that the piece stayed intact during the firing process. Otherwise excellent.