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New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A triumphant depiction of Christ, standing with his right arm raised in blessing and his left holding a book with a wee lamb seated atop it. Carved from wood and beautifully painted, he stands atop a multi-tiered pedestal with twin cherubs on either side of it. This is an imposing figure of one of Christ’s most beloved forms. Size: 6.5″ L x 8.25″ W x 24″ H (16.5 cm x 21 cm x 61 cm)
Jesus wears a flowing gold robe trimmed with fur, hanging off one shoulder. His face is sensitive and downcast, with well-painted details. His body is also well detailed and painted, with clear musculature, especially in the arms and legs. A large, tri-partite tin crown with floral details projects from atop his head.
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.
Condition: Craquelure, especially on the flesh-colored areas. Small areas of loss to paint, with some attached wax as shown.
Provenance: Ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, NC
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