New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely santo, hand carved to depict Saint Anthony of Padua with a silver halo and wearing a thin silver chain that was likely placed as veneration by a worshipper. In one hand, he holds the scripture with the Christ Child seated atop it; in the other he holds a lily stalk, representing his purity. The saint's hooded robes are emerald green with a gold-colored hem and a white-painted rope with three knots in the traditional Franciscan style representing poverty, chastity, and obedience. His tonsured head gazes forward displaying a sensitively rendered face, while his bare feet further symbolize his humility. Size: 4.6" W x 14.8" H (11.7 cm x 37.6 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: ex-old private Ohio, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, lot ; ex-Francis and Lilly Robicsek collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired in the second half of the 20th century

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#179717

Fine craquelure. Some losses to paint and overpainting as shown. Baby is missing the lower part of both arms and a leg. Losses to finger on right hand. Lily and arms have been reattached via adhesive. Nice remaining pigments.