Antique-shop.com

Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: susiecat on October 18, 2017, 11:30:07 pm

Title: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: susiecat on October 18, 2017, 11:30:07 pm

I've had this wonderful,beautiful carving of The Madonna(Mary)baby(Jesus) about 30 years,it has been stored in a tote in my attic,the carving is perfect,long thin fingers,eyes,mouth perfect,I had a friend who was an antique dealer/collector before she passed said it was a rare piece and hold on to it until I could find out something about it,carved into wood at the bottom is the name,Villa Luis,not sure who or place that is,measure 11"x6 1/2",I hope someone can give me some info on the artist or item.

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: Pelady on October 23, 2017, 07:59:00 pm

 This reminds me of religious work in the 1970s.  Particularly having a stamped or burning  manufacturers Mark or label.

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: susiecat on October 24, 2017, 11:36:13 am

My friend who was an antique dealer and a member of the appraiser society told me it was very old before she passed.She told me to hold on to it and find out more before selling it.I've had this I know over 25 years +.

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: Rauville on October 25, 2017, 08:38:05 am

I believe there was a Mexican family of wood carvers by the name of Villa, that created religious plaques in relief carved style.

http://www.ladap.org/mexican-bas-relief-carvings/ (http://www.ladap.org/mexican-bas-relief-carvings/)

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: mart on October 25, 2017, 10:28:53 am

If so it is not on the internet !!  Closest thing I found was Villa Luis,, a hotel in Spain !!

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: susiecat on October 25, 2017, 11:56:39 pm

I love the site! thanks!

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: KC on October 26, 2017, 01:00:30 pm

Rauville, nice link.

I tried tracking down the guy who wrote the article. See he is in California and the only one around that area with that name was killed in a car accident a few years back (which is after the article.)  Hope that wasn't him - but...if he could be located or someone who has a true knowledge of these pieces...I would try and have their opinion.

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: mart on October 26, 2017, 08:13:07 pm

According to what they said ,, he signed his work "Hmos. Villa"  I do not think this is his work !!  I think the "Villa" refers to a place not a person !!  But its just my opinion you know !!  There is also a Villa Luisa,,I think in Italy !! Hope I remember correctly !!

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: SophieMarie on October 29, 2017, 11:27:08 pm

I believe your item is signed "Villa Luigi".  Here's a similar wood carving with a marking much like yours but more noticeable. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Hand-Carved-WOOD-MADONNA-CHILD-Wall-Placque-SIGNED-VILLA-LUIGI-Mary-Jesus-/263277797022
Also, there is a Villa Luigi in Italy, so it may be a momento from that area.

Title: Re: Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis
Post by: susiecat on October 30, 2017, 12:25:27 am

Thanks so much I will start searching starting with both links