17th Century Polychrome Spanish Santo Wood Sculpture of St. Dominic with Base

Description

Anonymous
ca. 1700; Spain or the Spanish Americas
Polychrome wood

Approximate size: 25 (h) x 10.5 (w) x 11 (d) … more Anonymous
ca. 1700; Spain or the Spanish Americas
Polychrome wood

Approximate size: 25 (h) x 10.5 (w) x 11 (d) in.

This exquisite sculpture is finely executed and realized by a series of talented unknown artists of the early 18th century. The original sculptor exhibits a capability of translating monumental form into small-scale. This is showcased in the adroit and powerful stance of the saint, herewith believed to St. Dominic, patron saint of astronomers. One or more additional artists have intricately executed the estafado technique present on this sculpture, involving a careful incising of the sculpture itself, along with the application of thin layers of plaster and superb polychrome and gilding. Much of the original polychrome remains present and there is a subtle craquelure along the fleshtones that offer a distinguished aged patina to the sculpture.

The sculpture stands on a further polychrome and gilt plinth. The plinth may not be original to the sculpture but it is almost certainly belonging to the same epoch.

The sculpture was likely made in Spain although an origin in Spanish Americas shouldn’t be ruled out. Devotional works such as this were also exported to the Spanish colonies during the 18th century.

Condition: commensurate with age. less