New World, Spanish Colonial or later, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A large, hand-carved wood santo depicting Saint Benedict of Nursia. The saint has a bald head and long, well-rendered beard. He raises one hand in blessing and in the other holds a tall crosier with a spiral finial. A large, round, open repousse tin halo attached behind his head is a wonderful accessory to the piece. He wears clothes made of actual cloth, including a white cassock and bright yellow cloak trimmed with gold thread and decorated with fine gold embroidery. A worshipper has placed a chain of rosary beads around his neck. Saint Benedict is one of the less common saints to be depicted in santo form, even though he played an enormous role in the history of the Church. Size: 9" L x 10" W x 29.5" H (22.9 cm x 25.4 cm x 74.9 cm) Benedict (ca. 480 to 543 CE), born in Umbria, Italy, is often depicted holding his crozier and making a sign of blessing. He founded the Benedictine Order, creating twelve monasteries throughout Italy, and established the Rule of Saint Benedict, which proscribed how monks should live. This rule was widely adopted throughout the Middle Ages and as a result Benedict is known as the founder of western monasticism. Many people - including Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 - have described Benedict as one of the most important thinkers of the medieval period, essentially laying the philosophical foundations for the renewal of intellectual culture and creating a Europe-wide culture (through the Church) after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. 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 often furnished with crowns, jewels, and other accessories, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major 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 Guatemala 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. Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #120711