New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial period, ca. 18th century CE. A tall, hand-carved wood santo, depicting a bishop, dressed in a heavy, carved green cloak. A large mitre towers above his inscrutable face, which gazes impassively at the viewer. A deep blue stole with a carved fringe and long white robes underneath it with a carefully carved collar complete his attire. Unusually, he has a clear glass medallion set into his breast. Size: 10" W x 31" H (25.4 cm x 78.7 cm); 32" H (81.3 cm) on included custom stand.
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 Andrade collection New York, New York, USA acquired 1960s; ex Knoedler & Company
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#131176
Condition
Craquelure and losses to pigment, especially on the front of the robes. One hand is lost, as is one of the fingers on the other hand. The lower back of one side of the robe is lost. Stand is not contemporary.