New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. An interesting, hand-carved wood santo figure representing the pastiche nature of this style of folk art, with a 19th century wooden figure lovingly clothed in late 20th century garments. These figures form a living tradition of worship. Here, Christ stands with one arm raised in blessing. He holds a thin staff and is dressed in a red cape with a purple, black, and white cassock underneath it. The figure stands atop a blue ball that probably represents clouds. Size: 7.5" L x 9.5" W x 30.75" H (19 cm x 24.1 cm x 78.1 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: ex private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#120609
Condition
Extensive craquelure. Arms are repaired, with some missing fingers. Textiles are much newer than wooden carving, as is lower part of base. Figure and base are similar in age but may not originally have been placed together. Loss to some fingers, with extensive overpainting and loss to paint. Top of hair also appears to be worn away.