Polychrome Papier-mâché Madonna and Child

American life size camel figure standing on a platform base with hollow construction (attr: Luke Saunders Carnival Show, Michigan, Circa 1930)

English Victorian papier mache floral design oval double inkwell with fluted crystal wells and handles.  

First half of the 19th century Madonna and Child with souls in Purgatory Lacquered and gilded papier-mache with polychrome wooden base cm 96.5 x 37.5 x 28 "At that time I asked the Lord Jesus: 'For whom do I still have to pray?'. Jesus answered me that the following night he would make me known for whom I had to pray. I saw the Custodian Angel, who ordered me to follow him. At a moment I found myself in a foggy place, invaded by fire and, in it, a huge crowd of suffering souls. These souls pray with great fervour, but without effectiveness for themselves: only we can help them. The flames that burned them, they did not touch me. My Guardian Angel did not abandon me for a moment. And I asked those souls what their greatest torment was. And they unanimously answered me that their greatest torment is the ardent desire of God. I read the Madonna who visited the souls of Purgatory. The souls call Mary 'Star of the Sea'. She brings them refreshment ". (Diary of Sister Faustina Kowalska p. 11) A Polish religious, Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) reinterpreted in the pages of her testimony the ancient role of the Virgin as savior and supporter of the souls of Purgatory. The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council established that, assumed into Heaven, the Mother of God should operate a continuous intercession in favor of those children waiting for Paradise who were in the place, quoted for the first time by Pope Gregory the Great...

Wooden sculpture depicting the Madonna and Child, hand-carved and later gilded with gold leaf and lacquered. The work, probably made of basswood, measures 38 cm high, 16.5 cm wide an...