New World, probably Mexico, Spanish Colonial inspired, ca. 19th century CE. A tall, wooden, articulated santo figure of a man with a beard - perhaps intended to be Saint Joseph. The figure stands atop a round pedestal, painted white and blue with a reddish foot. Simple undergarments have been painted onto his body, but when originally made, he would have worn elaborate cloth robes. His face, hands, and feet seem made to have been left exposed to the viewer. Size as posed in the picture (with arm slightly out): 9" W x 34" H (22.9 cm x 86.4 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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#134991
Condition
Losses to pigment with some craquelure and overpainting. Articulated limbs all still move and are in nice condition. Glass eyes are also in nice condition with some light scratching on the surface.