Spanish Polychrome Wood Figural Sculpture of Santiago Matamoros

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Large Spanish or Colonial Polychrome Painted Wood Figural Sculpture of Santiago Matamoros or Saint James the Moor-Slayer. This sculpture is … Read more Large Spanish or Colonial Polychrome Painted Wood Figural Sculpture of Santiago Matamoros or Saint James the Moor-Slayer. This sculpture is one of Spain's most venerated and symbolic figures. Representing the Apostle James the Great, the work captures the dramatic moment of divine intervention during the legendary Battle of Clavijo, where St. James is said to have miraculously appeared on horseback to aid Christian forces against the Moors.
The figure is rendered in full motion, riding a rearing white horse, sword raised triumphantly in his right hand, with a fallen Moorish soldiers beneath the hooves. The carving retains much of its original polychrome decoration, with richly painted garments in shades of cobalt blue, crimson, and gold. The sculpture is a fine example of a Santo, a traditional form of Spanish and Colonial religious folk art, embodying both devotional purpose and artistic mastery. Works such as this would have been displayed in churches or private chapels as expressions of faith, courage, and national identity.
Sculpture is 26.5'H to top of hat, 36.5"H to top of cross. Cross is adjustable and extends, or can be removed altogether. See less