Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved and hand-painted wooden Santo depicting the Virgin Mary dressed in voluminous robes, the folds of which are skillfully delineated. She stands upon a flower, pinecone, or vegetal form - the scales/leaves/petals of which also appear below the drapery on her right side. Perhaps this is a regional reference. Her hands (carved separately and now missing) would have been placed before her body, perhaps clasped in prayer. A lovely rendering venerating the mother of Jesus. Size: 14" H (35.6 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 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 California, USA collection
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#134959
Condition
Expected surface wear with fading to red and white pigments, scuffs, and abrasions as shown. Age cracks. Small perforation on verso. Separately carved hands are now missing.