Lot 132
New World, Central America, Spanish Colonial style, ca. late 19th to 20th century CE. A folk art santo figure depicting Saint Michael the Archangel, painted with bright colors. He stands with a sword in one hand and a set of scales made from wood and steel can lids is balanced on his outstretched hand (scales probably date to mid-20th century). As Chief Commander of the Heavenly hosts, Saint Michael bravely challenged the Devil. Satan, after all, was Michael's opponent in the battle for Heaven. The figure's pose here is characteristically dramatic. Size: 7.55" W x 16.05" H (19.2 cm x 40.8 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: ex Kurquhill's Gallery, El Paso, Texas, USA; ex private El Paso, Texas, USA collection, acquired early to mid 1970s
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#127727
- Condition: One arm has been repaired. Surface has wear commensurate with age, with small cracks, losses to paint, and fading to paint as shown. Scales are probably mid-20th century.
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