New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A sweet wooden santo figure of St. Vincent de Paul. He stands holding the hand of a small child, both wearing robes of a creamy hues with gold trim. The saint also wears a heavy gold and red cloth wrapped around one shoulder and his waist. He holds a Bible in his free hand and stands atop a rounded and tiered pedestal. Size: 4.75" L x 5.5" W x 17.5" H (12.1 cm x 14 cm x 44.4 cm)

St. Vincent de Paul (1581 - 1660 CE) was a French priest who dedicated himself to the poor. He is the founder of the Sisters of Charity and is often depicted with a child in his arms or at his feet.

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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#120696

Nice craquelure on the robes and neck. Some areas of overpainting. Small losses as shown, particularly on the face of the child.