New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. An elegant, tall figure of a saint who is not as commonly depicted in the hand-carved tradition of the wooden santo: St. Faith. She stands with one knee forward, her hands extended as if in conversation. Her robes are excellently depicted, with flows and folds. On her chest, as part of the front of her dress, is her symbol: the shield of the Holy Trinity. She wears a thin, incised silver crown and a worshipper has put a chain around her neck. Size: 5.25" L x 7.25" W x 21" H (13.3 cm x 18.4 cm x 53.3 cm)

The martyred St. Faith (ca. 3rd to early 4th century) of Conques (Santa Fe, in Spanish) was a young woman from Aquitaine who was arrested and killed by soldiers of the Roman Empire for the crime of being a Christian. In hagiographies, she is referred to as both a virgin and a martyr, and she is depicted in religious art wearing the Shield of the Trinity (Scutum Fidei), as she is here. The symbol was conceived of during the medieval period as the heraldic arms of God.

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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#120714

Losses and age wear to paint as shown. Hands may not be original. Base has a crack across it horizontally but is stable. Hole drilled in cloak above one hand suggests she had an accessory that is now missing.