Description:

Latin America, Spanish Colonial, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful plaster-covered wood santo head of Christ, Saint Joseph, or one of the apostles, depicted with a short, forked beard and inlaid, brown glass eyes. 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. Size: 2.3" W x 3.6" H (5.8 cm x 9.1 cm); 5.8" H (14.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Constance McCormick Fearing estate, Montecito, California, USA, acquired before 2004

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#181017

  • Condition: Fragment of a larger piece. Some nicks and abrasions as well as stable hairline surface fissures, but otherwise excellent with great remaining pigment and good preservation of glass eyes. Light patina throughout. Peg inserted in base for attachment to custom stand; removable from stand.

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September 1, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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