Large Antique 18th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Wood Virgin Mary Figure Santos

Antique 18th-century large wood sculpture of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, Blessed Virgin Mary. The sculpture is beautifully polychrome on gesso.
On top of an integral octagonal pedestal base stands Holy Mary. Her finely carved black hair flows and her face is in a state of spiritual ecstasy, her hands clasped in a prayer posture. She is wearing a white tunic and an elaborately carved blue mantle decorated with silver stars and gold trimming.

Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These religious figures were hand-carved and were used as icons to explain the prominent figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for Spanish colonists far from home. They became a folk art tradition in the Spanish New World, from modern-day Peru to as far north as New Mexico and Colorado. Many of them were lovingly cared for over the years, with repairs and paint added as they aged, and played an active part for a long time in the religious life of their communities.

MEASUREMENTS:
Height approx. 77.5 cm (30.51 inches)

WEIGHT: 7.08 kg (15.6 lb)

CONDITION: in good condition considering its age, but does show signs of wear and usage. There are some losses and damage in the polychrome, as well as wear and an old crack in the wrist of the left hand. Additionally, some paint is lifting and flaking to the face and neck, which is consistent with the item's age.