Lot 120
New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful piece of religious folk art, in two parts that seem to be contemporary: one a ceramic sculpture of the El Nino de Atocha, well-painted, with glass eyes, seated on a throne; the other a wooden throne-like frame that holds and protects the sculpture. The Holy Infant of Atocha is an image of the Christ Child that is popular throughout the Hispanic world. It shows Christ, as he is here, with a drinking gourd and basket, wearing a cape; the lost hand probably once held a staff. The devotion to this figure originated in Toledo, Spain. A wire strung from the top of the wooden piece gives an idea of how it was hung in a shrine or sanctuary. Total size of both pieces together: 7.5" L x 6.5" W x 12.75" H (19 cm x 16.5 cm x 32.4 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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#129033
- Condition: One hand is lost; the other is partially detached (but not in danger of being lost - it is held on with an embedded wire). Small areas of loss and chips to painted surface of ceramic sculpture. The wood pedestal has wear commensurate with age.
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