Monumental Holy Family in Carved Cedar Relief...

Updated August 22, 2026

by Alfredo Lopez Morales (Peruvian, b. 1958) Original One-of-a-Kind Cedar Sculpture. Alfredo Lopez Morales is one of the most recognized living continuators of Ayacucho's distinguished artistic heritage. Grandson of the legendary Joaquin Lopez Antay-one of the most illustrious and influential figures in twentieth-century Peruvian art-he inherited this celebrated family tradition and has dedicated his career to preserving its legacy through original sculptures, retablos, crosses, masks, canvases, and murals. In 2022, he received the prestigious Joaquin Lopez Antay Medal in recognition of his artistic career and contribution to the continuity of Peruvian traditional arts. This monumental original cedar relief presents the Holy Family in an intimate and deeply expressive composition. Saint Joseph stands at the left holding his curved shepherd's staff, while the Virgin Mary gently cradles the Christ Child at the center. Their inclined heads, softly modeled expressions, and close arrangement create a moving image of affection, protection, and spiritual unity. The figures emerge prominently from a richly carved golden-brown ground whose irregular edges and textured surface evoke a solid section of hand-hewn wood. Joseph's deep-green tunic and crimson mantle, Mary's magenta gown and intense blue veil, and the Child's delicately ornamented ivory garment create a luminous devotional palette enhanced by the warm natural character of the cedar. Carefully carved folds, individually defined facial features, articulated hands, sandals, hair, and ornamental details demonstrate the artist's command of figurative wood sculpture. The shallow architectural format allows the work to retain the visual presence of a monumental sculpture while remaining suitable for wall display. The Holy Family has long symbolized love, unity, protection, and devotion. Alfredo Lopez Morales interprets this revered subject through the visual sensitivity of Ayacucho, combining sacred imagery with expressive carving and a warm, approachable humanity that gives the work exceptional emotional presence. Entirely carved, assembled, and finished by hand, this is an original, one-of-a-kind work. No other sculpture is intended to be exactly identical, and the natural variations of the cedar, carving, pigmentation, and surface finish reinforce its unique artistic character. <b>Works by the artist have previously been presented through auctions organized by the Museo de Arte de Lima (MALI).</b> <b>ARTIST</b> Alfredo Lopez Morales was born in Ayacucho, Peru, in 1958. He is the son of Mardonio Lopez Quispe and grandson of Joaquin Lopez Antay, from whom he inherited the family's renowned artistic knowledge. Regarded as one of the most prominent living continuators of this celebrated lineage, he has preserved its devotional and narrative identity while expanding it through original cedar sculptures and contemporary compositions. <b>PROVENANCE</b> Acquired directly from the artist in Peru fo

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