New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial inspired, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating wooden carving of Christ, carved on three sides and made to be mounted to a wall. He looks slightly upward, his head tilted to one side, with his arms outstretched, one raised as if in the act of blessing. Below one arm is a rooster, a symbol of the Passion, who is mainly viewable as a broad, white wing. The figure is carefully carved to have flowing robes, painted scarlet and red, over a brown and beige tunic. The face is sensitive and lifelike, with flowing hair. This type of devotional figure is similar to a santo. Size: 14.5" W x 20" H (36.8 cm x 50.8 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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#134983
Condition
Nice craquelure with small areas of loss to the paint as shown. Hands have been reattached and two fingers are missing from one of them.