Saints & Martyrs

Santos or saint figures have decorated Catholic churches and, later, home altars throughout the Christian world. Initially styled after European models, santos soon displayed regional differences, often as a result of exposure (or lack thereof) to European examples and the effect of indigenous religious practices. Fashioned typically out of wood, santos can be gessoed, painted, clothed, gilded, and crowned in silver or gold halos. Some santos also come housed in their own decorative wood niche or nicho.

We have antique santos from Europe, the Americas, and the Philippines dating from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. On occasion we have a santo from an earlier period or the rare New Mexican bulto. Popular saints include Sts. Michael, Anthony, and Santiago, as well as the Virgin Mary depicted in her various incarnations. Christ, of course, is also a popular santo subject and is most commonly represented as either the Santo Nino (Holy Child) or the Cristo Crucificado (Crucified Christ). Stylistic differences based upon locale, historical period, audience, and artist make each santo a unique artistic treasure.

Saints & Martyrs · Religious Antiques ·