New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden santo with glass eyes, depicting St. Anthony of Padua. In one hand, he holds a book with the Christ Child seated atop; in the other he holds a lily stalk, representing his purity. He stands atop a tall, tiered wooden pedestal. Attached to his head is a repousse tin halo. A worshipper has placed a medal on a silver chain around the saint's neck. The baby is dressed in sewn pink cloth. Size: 6.875" L x 6.875" W x 16.5" H (17.5 cm x 17.5 cm x 41.9 cm)

St. Anthony was a Portuguese Franciscan priest and friar who died in Padua, Italy. Despite being born into a wealthy family, he was known for his intense devotion to the poor and sick, and holds the distinction of being canonized most quickly of all the saints. He is also known as the patron saint of lost things - objects, people, and souls. In art, he is often depicted with a book and the infant Jesus, based on a commonly told story of him reading a book and seeing the Christ Child's image in it. His brown robes are simple, tied at the waist in the traditional Franciscan style with a rope with three knots representing poverty, chastity, and obedience.

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: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

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.

#120466

Craquelure and small areas of loss to the paint as shown. Losses to the baby's arms and feet. Crown has slight bending and metal patina. Traces of wax to stabilize accessories. Some areas of overpainting. Silver medal on chain around the saint's neck is a more recent addition.