**First Time At Auction**

New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A nice example of a tall, articulated, hand-carved wooden santo figure of an older man with a bald pate and fulsome beard, made to be dressed in real clothing and used in processions and rituals. The figure has a well-sculpted face whose expressive grey glass eyes look toward the sky as if imploring. His hands and feet are lifelike, with space in one fist to hold some kind of implement. His beard is lovingly carved with a great deal of detail. His body is painted blue and white where it would have been covered with sewn clothing. His arms move at shoulder and elbow. The figure may represent Saint Joseph. Size: 4" W x 15.7" H (10.2 cm x 39.9 cm); 16.25" H (41.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Figures like this one follow on from the medieval tradition, practiced until the present day in Spain and its colonies, of using lifelike puppet and/or articulated figures to act out key moments from the Bible. In the past, these statues were sometimes given white kidskin over exposed areas to simulate flesh and make them as lifelike as possible; they were also given cogs, spindles, and straps to move their heads independently (interestingly, these figures are sometimes considered the earliest European "robots"). Later, they evolved to be of simpler construction, like this figure, but no less important to religious ritual; instead of movement, their realistic and evocative faces became the focus of the artist's effort.

Provenance: private California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#134950

One hand has been repaired. Small losses from paint commensurate with age.