Early 18th-Century Spanish Colonial Antique Santos Sculpture Of Saint Roche In Original Paint

A modest-sized early 18th-century Spanish colonial antique carved wooden sculpture of a Saint.

It is likely that this sculpture is a depiction of Saint Roche as he pointing to his thigh. This is a common depiction of this Saint where he points to a sore on his thigh. 

Saint Roch is the patron Saint against the plague and other contagious diseases like cholera. He is also the patron saint of bachelors, diseased cattle, dogs, those who have been falsely accused, invalids, Istanbul, surgeons, tile-makers, grave-diggers, pilgrims, and apothecaries.

What is a Santos?

Known as a "Santos", also known as a "Santo" or "Bulto," these figures were once common place in churches, homes and private altars located within the territories of the Spanish Empire.

The practice of creating santos began in Spain and was spread to the Americas and parts of Asia by Spanish, Portuguese, and French colonizers and missionaries. They were used as catechismal aids to help convert local populations to Catholicism.

The figures are objects of religious veneration, serving as earthly representations of the divine and acting as vehicles for prayer and devotion in churches and homes. They are believed to be imbued with the spirit of the saint they represent.

Traditionally, santos are carved from wood, with common choices including pine, cottonwood, aspen, and the prized Philippine hardwood batikuling. Ivory was also a popular and expensive material historically, but its use is now restricted or banned in many places due to wildlife concerns. 

The artisans who create santos are known as santeros (male) or santeras (female). Their craft is often passed down through generations within families. Some santeros may also be custodians of santos, maintaining and dressing them, and are known as camareros (male) or camareras (female).

Santos can be either three-dimensional sculptures (bultos) or two-dimensional paintings on wood panels (retablos). Bultos come in two main types:

Bastidor: A mannequin-style figure designed to be dressed with textile clothing and accessories. These often feature posable or interchangeable arms and a cage-like lattice to hold the vestments.

Detallado: Figures with adornments painted on permanently, though they may also have added accessories.

Culturally, Santos figures are an important part of Latino cultural tradition and have been embraced as a form of folk art, particularly in places like Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and the Southwestern United States (especially New Mexico). They reflect a blending of indigenous art traditions with the styles introduced by European colonists. 

Provenance - Sourced within East Anglia, England.

Condition - As per the images. Surface wear and losses are commensurate with age.

Size - Height 47 cm x Width 16 cm (18 1/2" x 6 1/3")