Very Old Handcarved sculpture Of Mary Baby Jesus Signed Villa Luis

[susiecat]

I've had this wonderful,beautiful carving of The Madonna(Mary)baby(Jesus) about 30 years,it has been stored in a tote in my attic,the carving is perfect,long thin fingers,eyes,mouth perfect,I had a friend who was an antique dealer/collector before she passed said it was a rare piece and hold on to it until I could find out something about it,carved into wood at the bottom is the name,Villa Luis,not sure who or place that is,measure 11"x6 1/2",I hope someone can give me some info on the artist or item.

[Pelady]

 This reminds me of religious work in the 1970s.  Particularly having a stamped or burning  manufacturers Mark or label.

[susiecat]

My friend who was an antique dealer and a member of the appraiser society told me it was very old before she passed.She told me to hold on to it and find out more before selling it.I've had this I know over 25 years +.

[Rauville]

I believe there was a Mexican family of wood carvers by the name of Villa, that created religious plaques in relief carved style.

http://www.ladap.org/mexican-bas-relief-carvings/

[mart]

If so it is not on the internet !!  Closest thing I found was Villa Luis,, a hotel in Spain !!

[susiecat]

I love the site! thanks!

[KC]

Rauville, nice link.

I tried tracking down the guy who wrote the article. See he is in California and the only one around that area with that name was killed in a car accident a few years back (which is after the article.)  Hope that wasn't him - but...if he could be located or someone who has a true knowledge of these pieces...I would try and have their opinion.

[mart]

According to what they said ,, he signed his work "Hmos. Villa"  I do not think this is his work !!  I think the "Villa" refers to a place not a person !!  But its just my opinion you know !!  There is also a Villa Luisa,,I think in Italy !! Hope I remember correctly !!

[SophieMarie]

I believe your item is signed "Villa Luigi".  Here's a similar wood carving with a marking much like yours but more noticeable. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Hand-Carved-WOOD-MADONNA-CHILD-Wall-Placque-SIGNED-VILLA-LUIGI-Mary-Jesus-/263277797022
Also, there is a Villa Luigi in Italy, so it may be a momento from that area.

[susiecat]

Thanks so much I will start searching starting with both links