Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A large, carved wooden male Cristo or Santo figure dressed in flowing vestments with billowing drapery that cascades over his body. His face is finely carved with delicately delineated features and facial hair - crowned by a long wavy coiffure with curls falling past his shoulders and straight locks extending down his back. The figure may very well represent Jesus; however, Saint Joseph (San Jose) who is customarily depicted holding the infant Jesus in his left arm (now missing in this example) is another possibility. Size: 16.375" H (41.6 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand.
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
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 and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#134955
Condition
Missing left forearm and right arm. Surface wear with abrasions and pigment loss commensurate with age.