Where it all begins

A unique group of religious imagery artists, formed at the end of the 19th Century. Their aim was to produce the finest quality religious statues in a, "Pasta Madera," or wood paste. This would form intricatly detailed figures. This endeavor began in the Northeast region of Catalan, Spain. This breathtaking area is seen in this view.

Thunderstorm afternoon in Catalan, Spain
A view of the type of factory buildings used in the production of artistic imagery crafting in Catalan, Spain. Summer storms often interrupt the sunny Spanish afternoon, as happens here in this August photo. The open top floor is where the pasta madera figures cure, slowly, for two to three weeks in the open air. below, on the second floor, the artists work with oil paint, and their artistic flair, and crativity to complete figures for worldwide clients.

The sun breaks through on storage building # 2

In this structure are stored the original wood models, created by artisits reaching back over 100 years. The molds are also stored here, and the process of making the,"pasta madera," takes place on the ground floor.

Carved wood angels await use.

Two lifesize, "Angels of Adoration," rest in the upper floor of building # 2.
Wings of angels are molded seperately, and added at a later time.

Molds for large scenes and Stations of the Cross

These molds usually are used to created pasta madera figures. Eight castings can be completed before new molds are created. This is to ensure exactness to the original wood carved ststue. Marguerite Pijon is our guide for this part of the workshop, or"taller."

Three Majestic Kings created in 100cms., Clase 1a
These realistically crafted figures are model 42-G. These standing figures measure 40 inches. They are also made for Nativity sets ranging in 20, 24, 28, and 40 inch figures. Other Magi can be supplied in 48", and 60" sizes. This similar Model 42-G, of Magi, will be illustrated below in "Museun Quality gold Leafed Policromatic Finish," soon.


All the illustrated figures in color, are not company photos, but actual, CLIENT ORDERED PIECES, from Spain.

Museum Quality Madonna and Child

This extrodiary creation, modeled in pasta madera, illustrates finely finished features, that are similar to the style of the, Great Italian painter, Sandro Botticelli. This piece is crafted in 120cms. approximately 4 feet, if standing.
The size is proper for any setting, and use in Church or Cathedral as life size. Life size is available in any finish.

All the areas of clothing are first covered in gold leaf. The figures are then painted in the desired shades. Next a wood stylus is used to skim away the oil paint to reveal the gold leaf below. An artist finishes the delicate features of the Madonna and Child, Lastly, the elaborate decorative overpainting is finished, and base is trimed with gold leaf. Indenting in patterned designs then, finishes the piece. The Piece is packed and ready for shipment, to be used in a United States Cathedral. Bathed in candlelight at Christma, the sight is a wonder to behold, with the gold reflecting, the twinkling of the candle flame.

A Nativity piece, such as this, is a, Treasure for the Ages!"

The Madonna and Child

Mary looks at her Devine Son . It is a depiction of awe, and wonder. The colors used, and designs depicted, hand done by the Spanish artists are rendered and created to the desired wishes of the client.

Delicate Botticelli-like Features of the Virgin

A ethereal gentleness on the face of the Blessed Virgin, is seen in this extraordinary depiction of Mary, Devine Mother.

The Nativity of Jesus

This particular set is crafted in sizes 24", 32', 40", 48", and 60."
Angels, numerous Shepherds and Magi, can be added to enhance the scene. The colors and designs in this case were left up to the individual artist. Hand decorated these museum quality figures, first gets a coat of gold leaf. o Color and designs are then completed. The same Nativity model can be seen below presented differently.

Different designs and color rendering on the Nativity of Jesus.
It is easy to see the same models finished in two differnt styles to the complete satisfaction of the particular clients.

Ploicrmatic, Museum Quality, St. Joseph

This figure of St. Joseph is fabricated in 16", and 20", sizes for homes or chapels that wish a superb depiction of the Nativity. The clothing of the figure was completely covered in gold leaf, and overpainted in verde green. It was then incised with a wood stylus in lines, to reveal the gold. Finally, the artist paints the designs.

Angel of Eucharist Adoration

This Heavenly Angel, looks down, lovingly, at the resting place of the Eucharist in a Tabernacle. This angel is featured in many catalogues. This is the actual Angel, fabricated by the Spanish artists, for the Keely Society.
There are two different angels in this pair. A pair of angels finished in white and gold design robes were furnished to a client, and adorn the altar and tabernacle. This adoring angel, along with its partner have been used in New England Cathedrals.

Large Nativity Scene

Completed in natural colors,this beautiful Nativity scene, is available with numerous other shepherds, kings, and angels. The figures are fabricated in 24' 32" 40", 48" and lifesize 60."


Angels in flight can be fabricated in 40" and 48" sizes.

The Virgin of a Nativity Set.

Finished in the traditional colors of European nativity sets, this class 2a, figure of Mary, kneeling in a resting position, is seen with a face of serenity and beauty. Mary admiringly looks down on the Holy babe.




Castellanos', SACRED HEART OF JESUS IN GLORY

This figure is avilable in 120cms.- 4 feet, which is the standard size for a large chapel or church. Thsi figure can also be produced in 32", 40", and 60 ".The tunic is off-white, with hand tooled gold leaf triangular design at the base. The mantle is a rich red, with hand tooled gold leaf borders, of interwaven thorns and Passion flower. The base is gold leaf, in a hand tooled design. An elaborate halo of brass is available. It is similar to that illustrated. Pleasee-mail, keelysociety@yahoo.com, for photos.




Example of hand tooled god lesf by Catalan artists

A closeup of the hand tooled designs, highly embellished and over painted that was requested for this figure of the Sacred Heart, Model 387-S. This is an example of Clase 1a, hand work. Clase 2a, would be similar but in gold paint, not gold leaf.




OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION WITH CHERUBS

Crafted in a number of similar depictions, this Assumption can be created in 32", 40", 48", and 60", sizes. The image can be produced without the cherubs, ona cloud base as shown.




THE VIRGIN AND CHILD

Mary lovingly careses the Child Jesus. This model can be fabricated in 40",48", and 60". This depiction of Blessed Virgin and Infant Child, can be created with a scapular for an image of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, or Our Lady of Mercy, with slight variations.




THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LADY

A Heavenly vision of the Child Mary, depicting her, "Presented at the Temple." Produced in 32" size, it is realistically natural. This figure is superb in reality.




OUR LADY OF THE SCAPULAR

Our Lady of the Rosary, is the beautifully depicted image, seen in the photo. This same crowned Virgin Mary, with the Child Jesus, can be presented under the title of, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Many other models of these two titles are available from the studio in Spain. Sizes are 32', 40", 48", and 60 ".

 

The Nativity figures seen in the Christmas Cathedral photos are figures created in Spain. These figures are 100cms. and the Three Magi, are finished in hand tooled gold leaf. The gold leaf is applied to the pasta madera figure before painting in oil. Painting is then completed. Artisians use a wood stylus to carve away the paint in ornate desgns to reveal the gold leaf underneath. The gold leaf is then indented in patterns, and burnished. Quality Extra goes one step further with overpainting of the gold and garments in elaborate color designs. The result is superb!