LARGE POLYCHROMED WOOD SANTOS FIGURE OF A MALE SAINT
Probably Spanish Colonial, 18th century

21 1/2" H x 5 1/2" D x 21" W

A large carved and polychromed wood devotional figure depicting a bearded male saint with glass eyes. The figure is shown with extended arms, his proper right arm extended as if to offer a chalice or an element (like keys). The proper left arm extends down below the figure's torso, creating a presentation challenge that can be resolved either with the figure positioned at the edge of a console or stand (so that the lower arm can extend below the edge) or by creating a custom base. It retains an early polychromed surface together with a painted blue green pigment across the garment. His naturalistically colored flesh is exquisite beneath layers of grime, the gentle wrinkles across his forehead and pulling at his inlaid brown glass eyes suggesting his years without emphasizing it. Note the fabulous texturing of his dark brown hair, forelock and long wavy beard. The sculpture survives as a fragmentary figure, likely originally incorporated into a larger devotional arrangement.

Condition: Heavily worn polychromy, light chipping, discoloration to the paint. Extensive wear and loss, as the sculpture survives as a fragment (note loss of seven fingers, large chips around neckline, to the shoulders, under the arms). Shrinkage crack along joints, notably the neck. Ready to place.

ref. 606TPK25P