Virgin Mary & Baby Jesus, Joseph
These two objects are wooden "dolls" that are wood structures, painted, on stands, with clothing. They came from Florence Italy. I went back and forth with photos, questions/answers about construction, size, the way the legs are attached to the hips, etc. with Marshall Martin (Antiques Road Show). He/they said the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus would retail for approximately $2,000 and the Joseph would retail for approximately $500... for whatever that's worth. I have no idea who made them, and the condition is at least fair (clothing is quite worn, but wood structures are decent).
Virgin Mary & Baby Jesus is about 35" tall, and Joseph is about 25" tall.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Mark,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Marshall is a well-respected doll expert and there's not much I can add to what he told you about the dolls other than at auction, these would likely bring 1/3-1/2 of what they might retail for; in this case, $800-1,200 for the group.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Florentine carved and painted wood Virgin Mary, Joseph and Christ child figures
Made in Florence, Italy, probably early 20th Century
Mary with a crocheted lace headdress with long ribbons and hair wearing a cream/beige-colored corseted dress, the Christ child attached to her hip; Joseph wearing a brown velvet robe.
Mary: 35 inches overall height
Joseph: 25 inches overall height
CONDITION: Both in fair to good condition with wear commensurate to age and use
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$800-1,200*
*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
