1500-1600s Spanish Colonial Santos Figure – Museum Marked 79.29.124”

This is a rare early Spanish Colonial Santos figure, dating stylistically to the 16th-17th century, carved in the primitive New World mission style associated with early Franciscan devotional art. The elongated proportions, simple robe folds, and soft oval face reflect pre-Baroque religious carving from the earliest colonial workshops.

The carving displays major age characteristics including deep, natural oxidation, centuries of shrinkage cracks, dormant insect activity, and surface erosion consistent with a multi-hundred-year-old wooden devotional figure. Both arms are partially lost, and the carving survives in fragmentary—but remarkably expressive—form.

A painted inventory number 79.29.124 is visible on the back of the figure. This numbering system follows the accession format used by many U.S. museums and institutional collections during the 20th century, strongly indicating that this Santos was formerly part of a museum or foundation collection. This greatly enhances its historical and collectible value.

Provenance

From the estate of Judge Jacob Tysen, a 19th-century New York collector known for acquiring early colonial and religious artifacts. The museum-style inventory number places the piece in a documented collection by at least the 1970s, potentially much earlier.

Condition

Extensive age wear, insect losses, wood erosion, missing arms, and deep cracks consistent with a 400+ year-old Santos figure. Stable and secure on its base. Sold as a historical artifact.

Shipping

Packed with museum-level care, insured, double-boxed.