New World, Spanish Colonial period, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A striking hand-carved wooden santo depicting the Resurrection of Christ. He stands with one arm raised in blessing, holding a flag in the other hand; He wears only a white loincloth and a brilliant red robe. The flag and the red robe are both symbols of His Resurrection. His body is strongly depicted, with emphasized musculature and the wounds he received during the crucifixion - his stigmata on his palms and feet, as well as the wound in his side - clearly visible. He stands on a large white and gold pedestal, striding forward across a green base. Three repousse silver points form a crown that projects from his head. His face is carved as if looking past the viewer, towards Heaven. Size: 5" L x 5.75" W x 19.5" H (12.7 cm x 14.6 cm x 49.5 cm)

The Resurrection is the culmination of the story of Christ, the triumph of the Son of God over death, celebrated as the holiest day in the Christian calendar at Easter. Depictions of Christ from this moment are suitably colorful and grand.The attention to detail here, with the stigmata, calls to mind the story of Doubting Thomas - as if to remind the viewer to not doubt His divinity.

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 Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#120586

Craquelure and small areas of loss to the paint as shown. Feet and base have been repaired, as has one small part of cloak. Traces of wax to stabilize accessories. Some areas of overpainting.