Western Europe, Spain, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. Expertly carved in the round from wood, this is a Santo of the Christ Child featuring a cherubic visage life-like glass eyes, full dimpled cheeks, and giving a benediction with his right hand, his left held in a grasping position - which probably once held a cross. He is nude with a chubby stomach and fleshy legs, a very naturalistic rendering that may have been dressed in miniature robes. This Christ was likely carried in the grand procession of the Corpus Christi and prominently displayed in a church. Santos played an important role in both Europe and 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. Size: 15" L x 7" W (38.1 cm x 17.8 cm)
Provenance: private Jacksonville, Florida, USA collection; ex-Nordby private collection, acquired in the USA in the 1960's
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#172172
Condition
Repaired and restored. Right arm reattached and restoration to fingers, head, and right leg. Old repair to loss piece on head verso. Stable fissures in glass eye inlays. Wear consistent with age and use. Great patina throughout and remains of painted pigments.