18th C. Spanish Colonial Wood Santos Cage Dolls

Lot 49

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686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States

Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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Spring Art Auction | Fine, Folk, Fun by Artemis Gallery

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Spring Art Auction | Fine, Folk, Fun

By Artemis Gallery

May 13, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-05-13 12:00:00 2021-05-13 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Spring Art Auction | Fine, Folk, Fun https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/spring-art-auction-fine-folk-fun-6949 Featuring visual treats from around the world, and back in time to present day - fine art, folk art, and fun artsy objects. Paintings. Sculptures. Textiles. More. Convenient in-house shipping. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

North America, Colonial Spanish period, probably Mexico, ca. 18th century CE. A fascinating pair of carved-wood Santos dolls - one male and one female. The upper bodies of both curious figures are depicted naturalistically and supported by eight lengthy strips of wood that hold them high above decorative bases. Each of these elaborately carved bases displays a corseted form adorned with intricate vegetal designs painted in hues of maroon, forest green, and black. The female Santos doll is dressed in a powder blue gown, suggesting that she may represent the Virgin Mary, who is typically associated with this color. Her sweet visage presents almond-shaped blue eyes made from glass, thin brows, a naturalistic nose, round cheeks, and bowed lips held in a gentle smile. Likely representing a saint such as Saint Joseph, the male figure is dressed in a brown robe and showcases a pair of heavy-lidded, glass eyes beneath a wrinkled brow, a sharp nose, and a petite mouth above a short brown beard. Both display bald heads and bendable arms which are jointed at their shoulders and elbows. Size (both the same): 9.5" in diameter x 34.5" H (24.1 cm x 87.6 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 held sacred objects for devotees to pray to within their cages 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. 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. Oftentimes regarded as quite valuable and expensive, the creation of Santos was usually funded by religious devotees.

Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, 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.

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#163346

Condition

Each has fissure to base. Forearm of woman detachable. Both arms of man detachable. Expected nicks/chips and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, very nice with impressive remains of paint.
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