Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 104A
image_0 image_1
Mexican Wood Folk Art Saint Isidore w/ Plowing Oxen
Mexican Wood Folk Art Saint Isidore w/ Plowing Oxen
image_0 image_1
Description:

Central America, Mexico, ca. mid-20th century CE. A lovely wooden santo of Saint Isidore the Farmer or San Isidro Labrador depicted plowing the field with 2 bulls as he grasps a whip in one hand. San Isidro was a simple farmer who, following an epiphany, took time to pray and commune with God while working in his master's fields. When Isidore's fellow laborers complained that he was neglecting his work, Isidore's master came to the fields to observe him. He was amazed to see Isidore, kneeling in prayer, while angels plowed the fields for him. The patron saint of farmers, Isidore was known for his love of animals and the poor. He was widely venerated throughout the colonial Spanish Empire and in Mexico the city of San Ysidro is named for him. Size: 4.3" L x 11" W x 23.1" H (10.9 cm x 27.9 cm x 58.7 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: private Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA collection

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.

#185868

  • Condition: Created as 6 separate pieces. One bull is missing one ear. Saint Isidore and bulls have been repaired with break lines visible, as well as age-expected surface wear with chipping to wood and pigments as shown. A few stable fissures to wood. Nice remaining pigments and light patina in areas.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 2, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000