[Edited since posting.]
The previous post shows Lladro’s “Blessed Lady” porcelain statue, originally produced from 1988-1991 as a limited edition of 1,000. The same sculptor, Fulgencio Garcia, 4 years later, created the above piece, “Immaculate Virgin.” This is a limited edition of 2,000, higher priced. 25 years later, it still hasn’t sold out. I am partial to the original. One interesting difference is that Our Lady’s head is uncovered in the first and covered in the second. The uncovered head does not bother me, though it is true when she appears, she always has her head covered. This is one reason I wear the mantilla at Mass.
Lladro, a Spanish company started by 3 brothers, has a great history of producing fine Catholic-themed figurines. As I stated in the previous post, I worked at their flagship location in Manhattan for several months, on the selling floor of a beautiful museum-like store. It was a joy to come to work every day. I had started in the office upstairs as their archivist for North America (I would identify pieces for people, before the internet took care of all that). It was an interesting job, though rather stressful because it was too much work for one person. When the office moved to New Jersey, I temporarily worked at the store. It was uptown Manhattan, in such an exciting location, near the Plaza and Bloomingdale’s. What a great time that was, in my early 20’s, moving to the big city and having complete freedom (except for the curfew at the convent in Chelsea, where I rented a room). It is strange going to the city now-I always think, “Why are so many people younger than me?” Sadly, the Lladro location, complete with a museum of old pieces and an art gallery, is no longer there. However, in 2012, a new Lladro Boutique opened on Madison Ave. Anyway…if you are looking for a high-end Catholic piece for a gift or a religious institution, you may want to consider supporting Lladro. I am proud to have worked for them.
Tonight I have the privilege of attending my first Byzantine Mass, on Long Island. It is a special Mass being celebrated at a traditional-sensitive parish, the Eastern Rite’s version of the Assumption, the “Dormition of Our Lady.” I am very excited and will be telling you about it, complete with pics! Blessings to all on this feast of the Assumption-let us pray to Our Lady for the Church at this hour.
Came across this quote the other day…so true…
“Much of humanity’s activity is insanity masquerading as reality.”
Alan Cohen
Image courtesy https://www.houzz.com
