New World, Mexico; New Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 19th century CE. A fine example of a tall, articulated, hand-carved wooden Christ figure with blue glass eyes, made to be dressed in real clothing and used in processions and rituals, and sitting in a 19th-century New Mexican wood chair. His well-sculpted face presents a subdued expression with heavy-lidded eyes and real eyelashes, all framed by the luscious locks of his coiffure and forked beard. A lustrous finish envelops his skin, causing his flesh to gleam in the light as though emitting a life-like warmth and godly glow all at once, while blue and green paints cover the areas where he was clothed. His arms move at shoulder and elbow, and his legs at the knee and hip, contributing to his realism. Size when prone: 52" W x 53" H (132.1 cm x 134.6 cm); of arm span: 26" W x 53" H (66 cm x 134.6 cm) Size: 52" W (132.1 cm); of chair: 14.8" L x 15.5" W x 31.8" H (37.6 cm x 39.4 cm x 80.8 cm)

Petite grooves on his feet and palms signify his stigmata, indicating this represents Christ post-Passion and further explaining his somber appearance.

Figures like this one follow on from the medieval tradition, practiced until the present day in Spain and its colonies, of using lifelike puppet and/or articulated figures to act out key moments from the Bible. In the past, these statues were sometimes given white kidskin over exposed areas to simulate flesh and make them as lifelike as possible; they were also given cogs, spindles, and straps to move their heads independently (interestingly, these figures are sometimes considered the earliest European "robots"). Later, they evolved to be of simpler construction, like this figure, but no less important to religious ritual; instead of movement, their realistic and evocative faces became the focus of the artist's effort.

Provenance: Jesus: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Amiguet's Ancient Art, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired prior to January 1, 2010 / Chair: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, California, USA

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#173416

Repairs to fingers of left hand and inner right thigh with small gap between new and old wood. Some minor losses and loosening to left eyelashes, and some light chips and old inactive insect holes to wood. Stiffness to joints but all are movable. Chair has stable hairline fissure to seat. Both have expected nicks and abrasions as shown. Nicely preserved detail and pigments.