Latin America, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A wonderful Santo depicting Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, the Virgin dressed in royal regalia of blue, gold, and white robes with red sleeves and a golden crown, further adorned by a wire and glass beaded double halo, and a gold-tone metal ornament suspended from her neckline (these added later). Three seraphim float beneath her hemline above a tiered pedestal upon which Nuestra Senora del Rosario (in abbreviated form) is painted in red. Size: 6.625" W x 18.75" H (16.8 cm x 47.6 cm)

Nuestra Senora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Holy Rosary) is one of numerous titles for the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to religious legend, the Virgin appeared to Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order, and presented him with a rosary to use for contemplative prayer. In hopes of combatting heresy, the Dominicans instructed followers throughout Europe on how to use the rosary. The Virgin, sometimes referred to as Our Lady of Peace, is the patroness of all rosary congregations, and the faithful appeal to her for protection from accidents and danger.

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 Meyerson collection, San Francisco, California, USA

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#121715

Wire and beaded halo as well as gold tone neck ornament were added later. Losses to upper end of crown. Age crack on lower back side of pedestal. Surface wear with pigment losses and abraded areas as shown.