CONGO (DRC) Virgin and Child, weathered wooden sculpture. Kongo work from the colonial period, first half of the 20th century. The seated Virgin, veiled and with her eyes cast down, holds the Child with her hands clasped over her chest. The work forms part of the body of Congolese Christian art that developed from the missionary period onwards, in the tradition of the Nkangi Kiditu crucifixes, to which the mission workshops of Lower Congo contributed significantly. The base bears the incised monogram ‘MDS’, which is unidentified but may refer to a Scheut mission. Patina, old cracks, wear and minor losses. Approx. 24.5 cm.