Lot 128
New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. A striking wooden depiction of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a rare topic for a santo. She stands atop a very small pedestal, wearing nun's robes of bright white with gold trim. In her hands, held wrapped in her skirt, is food - it looks like onions and other vegetables. She has a sweet, downcast face with a solemn expression and gentle smile. She stands atop a pale blue pedestal with gold flourishes. Worshippers have given her a repousse silver medal and a wooden cross. A princess of Hungary, Elizabeth, after being widowed at twenty, used her dowry to build a hospital where she herself worked to serve the sick. She died at twenty four and was quickly canonized; she is renowned for her charity. As a result, she is often portrayed, as she is here, holding a basket of food. Size: 6.25" L x 10" W x 23" H (15.9 cm x 25.4 cm x 58.4 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 private Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#120587
- Condition: Excellent craquelure on pale surfaces. Small areas of loss to the paint as shown. Traces of wax to stabilize accessories. Some areas of overpainting. Red dot painted on the forehead that appears to be newer than the sculpture. One small loss to the edge of one sleeve.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |