New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A much-loved wooden santo of a male saint with a gold-painted tin halo. He stands, with flowing, detailed robes, atop a tall, rounded pedestal. He holds a book, a common symbol of the Evangelists, Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. Comes with stand. Size: 3" L x 4" W x 12.5" H (7.6 cm x 10.2 cm x 31.8 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: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired second half of the 20th century

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.

#120415

Extensive wear to paint as shown, with lustrous patina, dark in some places, especially on the face. Loss to part of one hand, with other hand replaced. Large loss from back of santo, with old repairs including nails.