Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautifully preserved mid-century chalkware devotional statue depicting the Infant Jesus of Prague, dressed in elaborate, hand-tailored fabric vestments. He wears a majestic imperial crown, holds a miniature globus cruciger (the orb representing Christ's reign over the earth) in his left hand, and holds a tiny rosary in his right hand.
Story
Dating back to 1628 Prague, the original miraculous wax statue survived the Thirty Years' War with its hands blown off. This mid-century replica carries that legacy, dressed in miniature royal robes to symbolize Christ's kingship.
Maker / Origin
While the base features hand-written inventory or mold numbers, these statues were typically produced by specialized religious workshops in Italy (such as those in Lucca) or Spain. These workshops employed skilled artisans who cast the chalkware bodies and hand-painted the delicate facial features, while local seamstresses crafted the intricate, miniature vestments.
Condition & Value
The statue appears to be in excellent vintage condition. The chalkware base shows minor expected scuffing and plaster loss on the unfinished underside, but the painted features and delicate fabric vestments are exceptionally clean and bright, protected by the vintage vinyl cover.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.