Antique Spanish Colonial Santos No. I, Unknown Saint, 1800’s

Sir Raffles Art & History is Charles Mandel’s collection of antique Santos and ethnographic collectibles, mostly carved wood. See current selection on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SirRafflesArtHistory

Shop on Etsy

Description

The lean figure approaches emaciation with elongated lower body and sandals. The face particularly sensitively done with textured beard emulating the robe folds, inset glass eyes fully modeled ears and the open mouth with a full set of teeth barely visible. The posture is erect and the face intense; an upright, determined seeker of spiritual meaning.

General: The subject of this carving is an unknown saint. It is largely made from both carved wood and wood composition. Glass eyes, reverse painted. This lean figure stands a full 15.5″ tall. Spanish Colonial origin. Originally, it likely had a wig of woven hair and textile garments.

Condition Report: Finger chips to left hand.

Whatever the culture, there can be no more important art than that used as an aid for communicating with the divine. I have always found devotional artifacts fascinating to collect; there is no better way to connect with a past culture than through the objects that were important to it. Collecting santos figures is particularly gratifying. The subject, the style and the methods of production combine to tell the tale of what the individuals in that culture valued.

____________

I have been collecting artifacts and religious objects for many years, specializing in Asian and European vintage carvings. Don’t hesitate to ask about other stock that I might have that is not listed here.

Website: http://sirraffles.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SirRafflesArt

 

Materials: wood,polychromed,paint

Questions and Answers

You are not logged in