New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure of Christ, standing with His hands extended, draped in nicely-carved flowing robes of green and red with gold trim. He has a fine repousse silver crown and a worshipper has placed a tin and glass lantern on a silver chain around one hand, perhaps to symbolize that He is the Light of the World. Size: 6.25" L x 7.25" W x 19" H (15.9 cm x 18.4 cm x 48.3 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: ex Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#120695

Fine craquelure. Some losses to paint and overpainting as shown. Wax in areas used for attaching accessories. Whatever was originally in the hands is now lost.