New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure of the seated Christ Child with glass eyes and elaborate clothing. He is dressed in a cotton gown and has a purple felt cape with gold and purple ribbons trimming its edges. He also wears a large tin crown and is seated on an elaborate stamped tin throne. Size: 4.75" L x 4" W x 13" H (12.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 33 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 Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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#120596
Condition
Small areas of craquelure on painted surface. Some losses to paint and overpainting as shown. Wax in areas used for attaching accessories.