Europe, Spain, ca. 19th century CE. Expertly carved in the round from elephant tusk, a Santo of the Christ Child with a cherubic visage featuring liberally lashed inlaid glass eyes framed by arched brows, a petite nose, heart-shaped pink lips, full dimpled cheeks, and a wavy coiffure - standing and giving benediction with his right hand, his left with palm facing upwards, as it probably once held an orb symbolizing his dominion, donning a meticulously detailed silvered brass crown, pectoral, loin cloth, and sandals. He has been mounted on a modern and custom wooden pedestal, lavishly carved and painted to resemble the magnificent Rococo style. Size: 7" L x 6.75" W x 23.75" H (17.8 cm x 17.1 cm x 60.3 cm)

Ivory was often regarded as the most luxurious material for carving Santos. Adding to its opulent aesthetic, this majestic baby Jesus stands upon an ornately carved wooden pedestal finished in golden pigments and pink, like faux Carrera marble. Its pearl and floral motifs as well as stylized S and C shaped curves are inspired by the Rococo style of the 18th century.

A Santo is a sacred statue venerating a religious figure found in Spain and its colonies depicting various saints, angels, Marian titles, or the personages of the Holy Trinity. Each figure was created by a santero (or santera if female). The practice of creating Santos originated in Spain, where these mannequin-style religious images with their pantomime-like gestures were traditionally vested in ornate religious clothing. Oftentimes regarded as quite valuable and expensive, the creation of Santos was usually funded by religious devotees.

This is an ESA antique exempt piece of ivory and cannot be sold internationally or to anyone residing in the states of California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. We guarantee that the piece is over 100 years old. Buyers should be aware of the changing laws regarding commercialization of ivory and other product containing endangered species both on the Federal and State levels.

Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired third quarter 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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.BR>
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Statue made from several joined pieces, so there are separations at shoulders and forearms that are not breaks. Some fissures and surface restoration on legs, back, coiffure, right side of face, shoulders, and left wrist/forearm. Small areas of loss to one shoulder, waist, and back of neck. Silvered brass crown, pectoral, and sandals overall excellent, some areas of patina and toning. Pedestal is a modern addition and has a fissure radiating across the surface from the santo's feet.