New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico or Guatemala, ca. 19th century CE. A finely carved and painted Santo depicting Francis of Assisi, founder of the Order of Franciscans, wearing a brown habit, its girdle distinguished by 3 knots representing the religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and a heavy gauge tin halo. He stands on a rock and waters (like Moses, he could draw water from stone), with arms extended and stigmata in his hands, feet, and side (showing through an oval slit in his tunic). Size: 12" L x 20" W x 33.75" H (30.5 cm x 50.8 cm x 85.7 cm)

According to the Italian Franciscan friar Thomas of Celano, during a retreat on Mt. Alverna in 1224, Saint Francis was praying when he had a vision of a man like a seraph with six wings, his arms and feet in the shape of a cross. Suddenly marks corresponding to Christ's wounds appeared on the saint's body, remaining there until he passed away two years later.

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. 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. Oftentimes regarded as quite valuable and expensive, the creation of Santos was usually funded by religious devotees.



Provenance: Ex-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, NC

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#120588

Left hand and part of sleeve reattached. Loss/separation to front area of flowing waters. Stable age cracks and losses to pigment as shown.