I have to say, this is just a stunning devotional, over 20" tall and beautiful either closed or open. Entirely hand carved wood, I don't see any breaks or losses - a cross up top and the carved doors open to reveal 4 separate and perfect works of art. The large porcelain Madonna and child is a flat plaque and the 4 ovals flanking it are oval and convex plaques, all painted by the same artist, and not a bit of damage to any of them. Exquisite in a blue and white 'grisaile' manner, monochromatic. One might expect it to be small, as many home alters were, but this is over 20" tall and 14.5" wide when open, or 11.5" wide when the carved doors are closed. Full measurements are noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, c. 1870-90, give or take. I don't see any breaks to note. I will mention the overlapping door rests ever so slightly ajar, not much. Being overly picky, I'll also point out very slight disruption to the carved oval into which the smaller plaques are placed, recessed, and a spot where the stain needs to be touched up just to right center of the one to right bottom of the screen/photo as it faces you. I will touch that up, but wanted to point it out first for you. Hinges are nicely set and firm. You'll note a fine hairline crack to right of the large center plaque, at the seams of the frame. Such minor imperfections on a delicately carved wood frame affirm the care it's been given for a century and a half. Splendid art!
