Lot 78A
Europe, Italy, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. An antique Nativity figure depicting the child Jesus, hand carved from wood and hand painted. Take a close look and the details abound. Note the inlaid glass eyes and painted lashes, the rosy cheeks, parted mouth with two front teeth, and the cascading brunette curls highlighted with gold "estodfado" framing the Christ child's visage. The soft cherubic body is beautifully painted in hues of cream and pink and further detailed with dimples at the elbows, shoulders, and knees and finely carved fingers and toes, all positioned in a playful baby-like manner. Such works of devotional art have become very popular with collectors in recent years and are often featured in prestigious decor publications such as Architectural Digest and Veranda Magazine. Santos are becoming increasingly difficult to find. A beautiful example for its artistry and spiritual significance! Size: 11" x 6-3/4" (27.9 x 17.1 cm).
Carved santos of saints, angels, members of the Holy Family, and personages of the Holy Trinity, also called "bultos," are devotional statues which were traditionally carved from wood and painted with gesso, polychrome and in some cases gold "estodfado." Of course this is the infant Jesus and as such was intended to be represented nude. However, figures were often dressed in fine silk garments with intricately detailed embroideries, real jewels, and precious metals. Given the three perforations atop the head of this baby Jesus, he was most likely adorned with three silver rays. The technical skills required to carve a wooden figure are quite great, as wood has a tendency to crack and be impacted by changes in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the texture of wood is quite challenging, and great skill is required to capture the subtleties of facial expressions and features.
Provenance: Ex-private T. Jones collection, New York, NY
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#110610
- Condition: Head repaired, head adornment missing, perforation on back for attachment to Nativity scene.
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| $200,000 + | $25,000 |