New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A wonderful hand-carved wooden depiction of one of the four Doctors of the Church, St. Ambrose. He wears a bishop's miter, a heavy red cloak with tree-like painted patterns on its back, and a white and black cassock. He holds a large green book in one hand and a staff in the other. His face is stern, with staring glass eyes and high cheekbones. Size: 6" L x 7" W x 17.5" H (15.2 cm x 17.8 cm x 44.4 cm)

Ambrose (340 to 397) was born into a noble Roman family in Milan and converted to Christianity while he was Governor of Milan. He was learned, having studied the classics and law, and people so admired his speaking style that they asked him to become Archbishop of Milan when the old one died. He wrote many important theological works and his sweet style led to him being called the "honey-tongued doctor". One of the most famous stories about him is his choice to melt down Milan's treasures to pay a ransom on some of its citizens kidnapped by Goths; he described people as the true treasure.

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-Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, NC

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#120693

Wear and losses to paint, with some evidence of overpainting, especially on the robe. Craquelure on face. Glass eyes have become slightly cloudy.