Charming carved and polychromed wooden figure of San Antonio Abad (St. Anthony the Abbot) with a little pig riding comfortably on his shoulder. Probably 18th century, and probably from Mexico, where San Antonio's pig is usually black. St. Anthony is the patron saint of domestic animals, and especially of pigs, based on several stories about the saint, including the time the devil took the form of a vicious pig, trying to tempt Anthony to violence. When the saint resisted, the pig became a tame companion.
The figure is in very good condition, retaining much of its original painted surface, with no breaks or losses despite the delicacy of the pigs little feet and face. Beautiful natural warm patina over all. A scarce to rare depiction of the saint. Approx. 9 1/4" in height.