Lot 274: Spanish Colonial Carved Santos Bust of Christ

Spanish Colonial carved and polychrome wooden Santos bust depicting Jesus Christ. Reverse-painted glass eyes and finely carved details to hair, mouth, tongue, and facial features. Small circular holes on the top and sides of the head, which likely held a crown of thorns. Possible “Ecce Homo” fragment, depicting Christ’s face with a meditative expression (“Ecce Homo” refers to the words spoken by Pontius Pilate when presenting Christ to a hostile crowd, after being crowned and scourged, in the final moments before His crucifixion). 17 in. H x 6 1/2 in.  Late 19th/Early 20th century.

PROVENANCE: The collection of Mr. and Mrs. David Allen, Springfield, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Paint loss to forehead and nose, some flaking to face, neck and shoulders. Retouched paint on ears and lower bust.