Antique Religious Santos Hand Carved St. Francis of Assisi - 19th Cen Sp Col for sale

Authentic 19th Century Spanish Colonial Hand-Carved Wooden Saint Francis Santos StatueOffered here is an exceptional, authentic piece of religious folk art from the Spanish Colonial Americas, most likely originating from a provincial workshop in Guatemala, dating to the early-to-mid 19th century (circa 1800–1850). This devotional figure depicts Saint Francis of Assisi in a blue robe—a traditional colonial coloration honoring the Franciscan order’s special devotion to the Immaculate Conception.Key Structural & Stylistic Attributes:

• Single-Block Provincial Construction: Unlike high-end urban workshop figures where limbs were pegged, the outstretched hands and main body of this Saint Francis are skillfully carved directly out of a single continuous block of wood.
• Height 17"; Block measures 5" x 6"; Width is 5".
• Subtle "Slit" Glass Eyes: Features delicate, tiny glass eye slits. The artisan set small glass beads into the face from the front, framing them with a gesso plaster border.
• Integrated Octagonal Pedestal: The figure stands securely on a classic 8-sided geometric base measuring approximately 5" x 6". This architectural style provides the exact counter-balance required to support the outstretched arms.
• Original Halo/Aureola Socket: There is a distinct, original hole drilled into the crown of the head. This served as the historical anchor for a silver or tin radiant halo (resplandor or potencias), which has been lost to time.
Condition & Antiquity Report:
This piece features incredible, honest historical wear for19th-century heritage. The body showcases antique pinholes from historical wood-boring insects. This aging adds an authentic, rustic patina highly prized by collectors of colonial devotional art. (As I cannot determine if any boring insects are still active - you can read on line to learn how to freeze the statue to ensure there are no live insects.) The remaining blue polychrome paint layers show wonderful checking and wear appropriate for its 150+ year age.Please review all photos carefully as they form the primary basis of the condition description. Selling exactly as found in "as is" condition, a marvelous center-piece for any collection of Spanish Colonial or Latin American religious antiquities.NOTE: I have 7 additional Santos I am posting to today. If you are interested in multiple ones, let me know so I can offer you 15% discount.

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