New World, Spanish Colonial style, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A handsome and expressive hand-carved wooden santo figure of the Christ Child, here holding a globe to represent his dominion over the world by literally holding it in his hand. His other hand is raised in blessing. He wears a repousse tin crown and clothing made for him by a worshipper. Size: 3" L x 7" W x 15" H (7.6 cm x 17.8 cm x 38.1 cm)

Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These religious figures were hand-carved and often furnished with crowns, jewels, and other accessories, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for Spanish colonists far from home. They became a folk art tradition in the Spanish New World, from modern day Guatemala to as far north as New Mexico and Colorado. Many of them were lovingly cared for over the years, with repairs and paint added as they aged, and played an active part for a long time in the religious life of their communities.

Provenance: ex private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#120712

Excellent craquelure on painted surfaces. Clothing is not contemporary to the figure.