Hi Sarah,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
There is a long tradition of religious figures being prominently displayed in Continental European households where religion was a large part of everyday life. That kind of interest in religious figures is not so strong now or in the US, where there have been different religions for centuries.
These figures are probably from the Stations of the Madonna, a series of devotional images or artworks that depict key events in the life of the Virgin Mary. Similar to the Stations of the Cross, they invite meditation on Mary’s role in Christ’s life, emphasizing her joys, sorrows, and spiritual significance within Christian tradition.
These are made of carved wood with a material called gesso or sizing applied on top of the wood so the paint and / or gilding sticks better.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A pair of Continental carved, polychromed and parcel gilt religious Madonna wall hangings
probably late 19th or early 20th Century
Two slightly different figures of the Madonna in red and black robes with gilt trim.
Each about 16 inches
CONDITION: With minor wear and some losses commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 40-60 each or $80-120 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia