94 - Alceo Dossena (Cremona, 1878 – Rome, 1937)

Alceo Dossena (Cremona, 1878 – Rome, 1937) Madonna of the Grapes Marble high relief, 75 x 49 cm The Virgin Mary is depicted in half-length, facing right in a three-quarter view. She wears a robe with richly draped geometric folds and a veil that falls over her shoulders, surmounted by a large, smooth, circular halo. Her face has composed, severe features, and her gaze is directed downward toward the Child. In her right hand, she delicately holds a bunch of grapes, and with her left arm, she gently embraces the standing Child Jesus. She has wavy hair, a small halo, and wears a short tunic. She rests one hand on the Virgin’s arm, while her body is turned forward and her gaze is lowered. The background is entirely decorated with a geometric lattice pattern, and within each panel is carved a Gothic-Renaissance-inspired four-leaf clover. The Virgin appears to be seated on a throne, the armrest of which is decorated with a volute at the bottom left. “Ave Maria” is inscribed at the bottom center; the signature “Alceo Dossena” is at the bottom right.