**Originally Listed At $1000**

New World, Mexico, Spanish Colonial style, ca. 19th century CE. A charming santo of a praying Franciscan monk, depicted here wearing dark green, almost black robes with gold trim and gold fleur-de-lis on the lower portion. His robes are tied at the waist in the traditional Franciscan style with a rope with three knots representing poverty, chastity, and obedience, and he is shown with his hands clasped as if in prayer. A repousse tin halo rises high above his head, while a worshipper has placed a wooden cross on a chain around his hands. Size: 5" L x 5.375" W x 12.75" H (12.7 cm x 13.7 cm x 32.4 cm)

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, acquired second half of the 20th century

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#120419

Craquelure and small areas of loss to the paint as shown. Crown has slight bending and metal patina. Traces of wax to stabilize accessories. Some areas of overpainting.