New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A tall and well-loved wooden santo with a smiling face, depicting St. Anthony of Padua. In one hand, he holds a book with the Christ Child seated atop it; in the other he holds a lily stalk, representing his purity. He wears Franciscan robes, dark green with floral yellow and blue motifs, and the three-knotted rope belt, representing poverty, chastity, and obedience. Atop his head is a tin halo and he stands on a high, tiered pedestal. Size: 6" L x 6.25" W x 16.25" H (15.2 cm x 15.9 cm x 41.3 cm)

St. Anthony was a Portuguese Franciscan priest and friar who died in Padua, Italy. Despite being born into a wealthy family, he was known for his intense devotion to the poor and sick, and holds the distinction of being canonized most quickly of all the saints. He is also known as the patron saint of lost things - objects, people, and souls. In art, he is often depicted with a book and the infant Jesus, based on a commonly told story of him reading a book and seeing the Christ Child's image in it.

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, acquired second half of the 20th century

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#120428

Nice craquelure on the face. Losses, wear, and overpainting as shown. Baby figure has been repaired and has losses to the arms. Traces of wax to stabilize accessories.