Spanish Colonial, Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A hand carved and polychromed wooden Cristo (Crucified Christ) that captures the drama and sorrow of this tragedy with a truly graphic depiction. The anatomy is skillfully delineated with elongated limbs and a severely emaciated torso and limbs, replete with stigmata (the marks indicative of Christ's Crucifixion wounds) upon the hands, chest, and feet. Aside for the loincloth and crown of thorns, Christ is depicted with as much of his suffering body as is possible. Clearly the artisan of this piece, while a folk artist, was influenced by theatrical Spanish Baroque depictions of Christ Crucified. As is customary, the Santo has been adorned by a worshipper; in this case a lace garland decorated with red flowers is tied around the lower end and additional fabric ties behind the figure of Christ. Size: 11.125" W x 18.25" H (28.3 cm x 46.4 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: ex-Kurquhill's Gallery, El Paso, Texas, USA; ex-private El Paso, Texas, USA collection, acquired early to mid 1970s
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#127725
Condition
Expected surface wear commensurate with age.