Antiques, Decorative and Fine Arts Auction
Lot 291:
Early 17th C. St-Martin De Porres Wood Caved Head with Glass Eyes and Gilt Barbed Halo
Description
St. Martin de Porres, a Peruvian Dominican lay brother known for his service to the poor and abandoned. Wood carved bust with fine features and glass painted eyes with a distinctive metal halo of thorns.
Artistic Context and Details
Subject: St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639), the first Black saint of the Americas. He is traditionally depicted in the Dominican habit, often with a broom representing his humility.
Plaque: The plaque identifies the work as being by or associated with Emile Vaillancourt and is dated April 1962, which coincides with the time period St. Martin de Porres was canonized by Pope John XXIII (May 16, 1962). The plaque reads (translated) Wooden sculpture of St. Martin de Porres contemporary to his time. Gift from M. Emile Vaillancourt former ambassador of Peru April 1962.
Dimensions: Bust measures 13 inches H x 9 W with crown (affixed), with base measures 16.5 inches H.
Condition: Some loss to one ear, cracks to wood bust and loss of finish in places. Crack to one glass eye.
History of St. Martin de Porres
St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of mixed-race people, social justice, and public health workers. He was known for his "humble service and charity, " caring for both people and animals alike.
Condition report:
This sale is made without warranty whatsoever at the sole risk and peril of the buyer. All sales are final. Cette vente se fait sans aucune garantie, aux risques et périls de l\'acheteur. Toute vente est définitive. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER TO VERIFY THE CONDITION AND/OR AUTHENTICITY OF THE ITEM, EITHER IN PERSON DURING OUR VIEWING HOURS PRIOR TO AUCTION OR THROUGH REQUESTED CONDITION REPORTS. Although care is taken to photograph and describe the item, absence of a condition report does not imply perfect condition. All bids are final and are subject to our terms and conditions.
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