New World, Mexico, 19th century CE. A large, finely-carved wood santo figure depicting an angel dressed in flowing gold and white robes, with large wings attached to its back. The robes part above the knee to reveal shapely, muscular legs. The face is painted with a clear, forward-looking gaze. An angel like this may have been part of a nativity scene, made to gaze upon the Holy Family. Size: 6" L x 14" W x 19" H (15.2 cm x 35.6 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: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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#120463

Losses to both arms and feet as shown. Wings are loosely attached. Some areas of overpainting. Craquelure and small areas of loss to the paint as shown.