**Originally Listed At $1000**

New World, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A hand-carved wooden santo figure, depicting Saint Joseph kneeling. He wears green robes, draped with a red and gold cloak over one shoulder, and has his hands in a supplicating gesture, on in toward his heart, the other reaching toward the viewer. His face is sensitive, with glass eyes (one has been painted over) and a peaceful expression on his face. This was probably once part of a Nativity scene. Size: 7.25" L x 6.5" W x 11" H (18.4 cm x 16.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These mannequin-style religious figures were hand-sculpted and often furnished with ornate religious clothing, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - in the religion to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for colonists far from home.

Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired second half of the 20th century

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#120431

Pretty craquelure on painted surfaces, especially the face. Losses to glaze in some areas, with overpainting.