**Originally Listed At $1000**

New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A tall and well-loved wooden santo depicting St. Anthony of Padua. In one hand, he holds a book with the Christ Child seated atop it; his other hand probably once held a lily stalk, representing his purity. He stands atop a colorful, tiered wooden pedestal. The saint's robes are dark brown, with a real textile woven rope with three knots in the traditional Franciscan style representing poverty, chastity, and obedience. Size: 1.5" L x 2.25" W x 6.75" H (3.8 cm x 5.7 cm x 17.1 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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#120594

Losses to paint and overpainting as shown. Losses to face and extremities. Wax in areas used for attaching accessories. Rope belt is newer than the sculpture. Lily stalk attribute is lost.