New World, Spanish Colonial period, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful santo of the Christ child, with sensitive features and large inlaid glass eyes. He wears a golden hued, heavy gauge tin halo with a stamped floral design and inset glass jewels. The clothing is modern, made of a pale green fabric with a velveteen finish and embroidered with small gold-painted charms. Size: 6.75" W x 17" H (17.1 cm x 43.2 cm)

Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These mannequin-style religious figures were hand-sculpted and often furnished with ornate religious clothing, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - in the religion to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for colonists far from home.

Provenance: From the Lilly and Francis Robiscek Collection of Religious Art, Charlotte, NC

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#119797

Clothing and halo jewels are both newer than the santo itself. Slight discoloration to areas of green fabric. Santo shows beautiful craquelure to paint. Two fingers have been reattached. Expected surface wear with losses as shown.