18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Painted Santo Figure

A lovely antique Spanish Colonial hand carved and painted wooden santo – bulto.

18th/19th century, possibly earlier, most likely depicting Saint Francis of Assisi, painted and carved solid wood, with finely detailed face, richly sculpted robe and exquisite carving marks, retaining remnants of the original paint finish, with beautifully aged patina, standing on later base.

Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181-1226), was an Italian mystic, poet and Catholic friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. He was inspired to lead a Christian life of poverty as a beggar and itinerant preacher. One of the most venerated figures in Christianity, Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 16 July 1228. He is commonly portrayed wearing a brown habit with a rope tied around his waist, featuring three knots that symbolize the three Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Dimensions: (approx)
10″ High, 4″ Wide, 4.25″ Deep;

A superb museum quality example of religious folk art, in very good original unrestored antique condition with nicely aged warm rustic heavily worn distressed chippy paint patina. Retaining remnants of original polychrome, scattered losses including typical loss of hand. Later wood stand. Presents very well