Lot 379
Exceptional Antique Carved Wood Santo ca. 1800s. Carved wood antique Santos figures are fascinating artifacts from the Spanish presence in Central and South America, a testament to a burgeoning Catholic faith. These small, hand carved wooden sculptures of saints and holy figures have been created from the 16th century to the present day. Varying dramatically in craftsmanship, they exemplify a record of a growing faith in small villages of the New World with The Holy Family and figures such as St. Francis among the favorite subject matter of the Santos, Now highly prized for the artistry and passion they convey, they transcend the idea of regional American Native folk art to something quite wonderful.
Outstanding Santo from the early to mid-19th Century having glass eyes, carved wood head and robe, with colors of brown, gold, green, cream, black, and red polychrome and gesso with the remains of a floral design still visible on the robes. What is exceptional about this piece is that the hands, almost always missing on older pieces, are present. Stands 17 x 8", some missing fingers to the right hand and the usual chips to finish and fade given the 150+ years. A wonderful example. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
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