Antique 19th-century Alpine School portrait of Mary the Queen (Maria Königin). Oil painting on canvas. Depicting the Virgin Mary with a gentle expression, Our Lady of the Bowed Head. She wears a crown adorned with pearls and red and green gems, signifying her role as Queen of Heaven. The blue color of her robe traditionally represents divinity, heaven, and fidelity. Visible on her shoulder is a gilded star identifying her as the "Stella Maris" or "Star of the Sea," a title symbolizing her role as a guide for the faithful. The text at the base reads, "Monstra Te Esse Matrem, Mater Misericordiae", a Latin phrase translating to "Show yourself to be a Mother, Mother of Mercy". Taken from the ancient Ave Maris Stella hymn and the Salve Regina, this prayer asks the Virgin Mary to act as a loving mother to humanity, interceding on their behalf. In overall good antique condition with general wear and craquelure commensurate with age and use. There are some touch-ups and paint loss along the perimeter. Housed in a wooden frame, the frame showing some scattered lacks to the edges. Frame measures 30" x 21" x 1 5/8" deep. Canvas measures 28" x 18 7/8".








