MAXIMO VICENTE.. “ Our Lady of the Barangay.

MAXIMO VICENTE [ 1881 – 1974 ]

carved and painted wood.

50cm high x 20cm wide x 14cm deep.

Circa late 1950's.

Origin

This image of our Blessed Mother and Her Son Jesus Christ was painted by the late Mr. Crisogono A. Domingo, an inmate of Santa Barbara Leprosarium, a mere house painter. He painted this image as an offering to Our Blessed Mother for the BARANGAY SANG BIRHEN ORGANISATION. This is a catholic action organisation mandated in the Philippines.

BIRHEN SA BARANGAY was the title given by Datu Antonio C. Gaston as founder and leader of the “Barangay Sang Birhen” Organisation. The idea of the image was born in Cadiz City in 1954. It was painted and finished by the painter just before the liturgical ceremonies.

 Description.

This a very late career sculpture by Vicente in honour of the new Virgin, Our Lady of the Barangay. It is just like the original painting and very well carved.

The face of the Virgin is nicely carved, the features are distinct and the eyes in this piece are glass.

The Virgin is dressed in a round necked white dress with butterfly sleeves and an over skirt in the traditional red and gold stripes. She has a white head covering that reaches down her back and two flaps of the head covering fall down the front and over her arms.

The Christ Child is wrapped in a white cloth that falls down his back and cover his feet.

His head is not covered and traditionally He is holding a rosary in His left hand. The original rosary was lost and has been replaced with a new one.

His right hand has two fingers held up and two fingers curled

This sculpture is in reasonable condition for around sixty years old with the original paint.

 Distinguishing marks.

There is no signature on this piece.

Two nails and small squares of brass, indicate that there was a brass halo on the back which is very prominent on most sculptures by Vicente.

The paint is original and it has no repairs on it.

This is a beautiful sculpture that captures Our Lady of the Barangay beautifully.

This sculpture comes with Certificate of Authenticity and provenance.

By,  Mark Shellshear.
Art consultant.