Description:

Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. An antique carved and polychromed rendition of Santa Librata, a legendary saint known by many other names in many countries throughout the world. According to legend, she was one of seven or nine children born at one time to the wife of a heathen king of Portugal. All of the children became Christians and suffered martyrdom. Her father urged her to marry the king of Sicily; however, having taken a vow of virginity, this was against her principles. When she prayed to god for assistance, a beard and mustache grew upon her face and the proposed suitor changed his mind. Her father became intensely angry and had her crucified. Here we do not see Santa Librata with facial hair and attached to a crucifix. However, in Spain and Mexico, Librata has never been depicted bearded. This said, we do see her characteristic blue robe adorned with flowers/roses as well as a perforation on her forehead presumably for the attachment of a crown of roses. Her eyes are inlaid with shell and/or resin on a realistically depicted visage. Despite its fragmentary condition, this example is a Spanish Colonial treasure created by a sculptor with a fine hand. Size: 7-3/4" x 3-1/2". Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #109675

  • Condition: A large fragment, but a nice representation.

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September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000