Why You’ll Love It
An exceptionally special miniature by Gilbert “Gil” Mena of Spain, this devotional-style Madonna and Child shrine combines fine woodworking with miniature oil painting. The image is based on Vittore Carpaccio’s Madonna and Child, showing the Virgin Mary in a deep blue robe tenderly holding the infant Jesus. The painting is set within an architectural frame hand-carved from mahogany and burl wood, with turned columns, an arched pediment, and beautifully figured wood accents that give the piece the presence of a tiny Renaissance altarpiece.
Perfect for: Renaissance and Tudor interiors, chapel or devotional scenes, historic rooms, miniature art collections, and collectors of Gilbert Mena’s fine craftsmanship.
Details
Materials: Wood, mixed media
Scale & Size: 1:12 scale; 3 ¾” tall x 2” wide
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Artist: Gilbert “Gil” Mena, Spain
Collection: The Maureen Fukushima Collection
Please Note: Includes the Madonna and Child shrine only. Fireplace, rug, furniture, artwork, fruit, and all other accessories shown in the styled photograph are not included.
A Note About Value
Every miniature we offer has been carefully evaluated for its craftsmanship, rarity, condition, provenance, and collectibility. Many of the artisan pieces we sell are one-of-a-kind works that may never appear on the market again. While original retail prices provide an interesting historical reference, they rarely reflect decades of appreciation, the artist's legacy, or the scarcity of surviving examples.
Our pricing reflects the miniature's place within today's collector market and the years we've spent studying the artists, histories, and values that make these tiny works of art so special.
A Commitment to Research
Every miniature has a story, and uncovering it is one of our greatest passions. We carefully research each piece, but unsigned or illegible works can remain mysteries. If you can identify an artist or provide additional information, we'd be delighted to hear from you and will gladly update the listing to preserve their legacy.
