Madonna with Child hand carved wood statue Oberammergau

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Madonna with Child hand carved wood statue Oberammergau

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Sold Date: 12/21/2006
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Fraternal, Political, Organizations

In June 1970 my aunt & uncle traveled to Oberammergau Bavaria Germany to experience the Passion Play. While visiting the local woodcarvers, my aunt was taken with the many versions of Madonna statues that were displayed. Apparently because the Blessed Virgin Mary was named the Patron Saint of Bavaria (by the Roman Catholic Church, September 13 th , 1916) these statues were popular pieces.

After examining those offered in the shop of woodcarver Werner Bierling, she saw that the backs of all the statues were flat and uncarved. Through my uncle who spoke fluent German, she was told that since the statues were intended to be displayed on wall pedestals, t was no reason to carve their backs. She disagreed and asked if Bierling would carve a Madonna for her that was fully carved. He agreed; she paid the requested deposit and Bierling promised to carve her statue that following winter. When finished, he mailed a photograph for her approval. She paid the balance of the purchase price early in 1971. The statue arrived at her Milwaukee Wisconsin home on March 19, 1971 in a sturdy wooden crate. Because the base was of a darker finish, perhaps even of a different wood, my aunt had her husband remove the two screws that secured the base and displayed only the statue. Those two screws are lost to the ages. The statue is just under 22" high. The separate base is 2 5/8" high, 5 7/8" x 4 1/8". No direct sunlight ever shone on this statue. No one was allowed to smoke in her home. The note on the base's bottom was written by my aunt in the early 1990's. The scepter in Mary's hand and the cross on her crown are separate, removable pieces. The entire work is in its perfect original condition. Bierling's initials are in the right corner of the back of the statue. Since most of the currently offered natural finish statues by Oberammergau 's woodcarvers are of linden wood, I believe this statue is also of linden wood.

Currently similar sized statues are offered online from Oberammergau woodcarvers for 960.00 Euros, about $1,264 US dollars.

Shipping within the continental US will be via insured UPS regular ground service for $50.00. Any faster service or international delivery charges will be extra at cost. Shipped exclusively by UPS. Item will be carefully packed, box within box.

I am selling this item on behalf of my aunt's estate; I am neither a professional seller nor a collector. Please do not ask me to cancel the auction. If not initially sold, this piece may be re-listed but will not be offered to non-winning bidders or non-bidders. I will answer any question you may have but please know that I am not an expert. I am usually available to reply to emails in the evening hours only, USA central time.