Items Similar to Mid-18th Century Italian Polychrome & Gesso Santos Figure (Female Saint)
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Mid-18th Century Italian Polychrome & Gesso Santos Figure (Female Saint)
$5,504.38
£3,995
€4,697.97
CA$7,616.68
A$8,395.93
CHF 4,393.15
MX$103,015.48
NOK 55,301.08
SEK 51,715.26
DKK 35,068.93
About the Item
Mid-18th Century Italian Polychrome & Gesso Santos Figure (Female Saint)
This stunning and rare mid-18th century Italian Santos figure depicts a female saint, masterfully carved in wood and finished with gesso and polychrome paint. The figure features articulated arms and inset glass eyes, lending it a lifelike and expressive presence. It stands on its original octagonal base, which retains remnants of its original painted and gilded decoration.
These figures were used in Catholic religious processions, dressed in richly embroidered vestments and carried through the streets on feast days. When not in use, they were placed on church altars or in private devotional settings. The articulated arms allowed the figure to be posed in different gestures or clothed appropriately according to the liturgical calendar.
The figure’s finely modeled face and detailed anatomical proportions suggest the work of a skilled artisan from 18th-century Italy, where such devotional sculptures were widely used in churches and convents. Her serene expression, combined with the naturalistic glass eyes and original base, make this an evocative and highly collectible piece.
Provenance: Acquired from a specialist dealer in Belgium with expertise in ecclesiastical art.
Date: Circa 1750
Origin: Italy
Medium: Carved wood, polychrome, gesso, glass eyes
Features: Articulated arms, original base
This is a rare opportunity to own an authentic 18th-century female Santos figure, ideal for collectors of religious art, antique décor enthusiasts, or institutional collections seeking historical devotional works.
Condition Report
This mid-18th century Italian female Santos figure is in very good antique condition, showing age-appropriate wear consistent with its age and devotional use.
The carved wood body is stable and intact. No major structural damage or repairs observed. Original polychrome and gesso finish is largely preserved with areas of minor paint loss, small chips, and light craquelure typical of 18th-century devotional figures. The finely painted facial features remain clear and expressive. Glass eyes are original and securely set. Articulated arms move properly at the shoulders. Some minor wear and scuffing to joint areas. The original octagonal base is present with wear to the painted and gilded surface. Structurally sound.
Measurement
Height: 78 cm / 30.7 inch
Width: 28 cm / 11.0 inch
Depth: 21 cm / 8.3 inch
Weight: 3.3 kg / 7.3 Ilbs
- Dimensions:Height: 30.7 in (77.98 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 8.3 in (21.09 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1750
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Report This mid-18th century Italian female Santos figure is in very good antique condition, showing age-appropriate wear consistent with its age and devotional use. The carved wood body is stable and intact. No major structural damage or.
- Seller Location:Lincoln, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 111381stDibs: LU7210245923112

About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2019
1stDibs seller since 2022
37 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 6 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All17th Century Italian Polychrome Painted Terracotta Jesus Child Putto Figure
Located in Lincoln, GB
Exquisite product is a polychromed, hand painted terracotta figure that beautifully depicts Baby Jesus. The attention to detail is evident in the figure's glass eyes, which add a lif...
Category
Antique 17th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Terracotta
18th Century Baroque Giltwood Putto – Hand-Carved & Painted Antique Cherub
Located in Lincoln, GB
18th Century Baroque Giltwood Putto – Hand-Carved & Painted Antique Cherub
This remarkable 18th century Baroque giltwood putto is a fine example of ecclesiastical art from the late ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
18th Century Carved Wood Panel – Polychrome Head Of Cherub – Putto
Located in Lincoln, GB
Description
18th Century Carved Wood Panel – Polychrome Head Of Cherub – Putto
Magnificent decorative panel from an altarpiece in carved polychrome w...
Category
Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Balinese Hand-Carved Sculpture of a Young Dancer
Located in Lincoln, GB
19th Century Balinese Hand-Carved Wooden Sculpture of a Young Dancer
The dancer is symbolising the flower bud with her hands which, is a signal of success.
Condition
Distressed. W...
Category
Antique 19th Century Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Pair of 17th Century Italian Reliquary Busts
Located in Lincoln, GB
Pair of painted carved wood and gesso, Italian, late 17th century, reliquary busts.
Category
Antique Late 17th Century Italian Busts
Materials
Wood
$2,196 Sale Price
39% Off
Antique Gesso-Painted Hand Fragment on Stand
Located in Lincoln, GB
Antique Gesso-Painted Hand Fragment on Stand
Circa 18th–19th Century (possibly earlier)
This evocative sculptural fragment represents a small gesso-painted hand, likely once part of...
Category
Antique 18th Century Mounted Objects
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
18th century polychromed pinewood santos figure/procession mannequin/capipote
Located in Brecht, BE
an extraordinary piece, a very rare find this capipote/santos figure,
lovely carving, wonderful soft expression on the polychromed face, bought from an Italian collector, who had it...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Pine
Italian 19th Century Carved Wooden Saint Figure
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice saint figure. Hand carved wood with glass eyes
Italy, circa 1800-1850. Weathered, small losses.
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$806 Sale Price
50% Off
18th century Spanish santos figure ...
Located in Brecht, BE
a very elegant spanish polychromed wood santos figures with articulated hands ...
pure poetry ...
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Softwood
Italian Painted and Lacquered Wooden Sculpture of a Kneeling Figure, Circa 1650
Located in CH
Italian Baroque painted and lacquered wooden sculpture of a kneeling figure. Circa 1650.
Category
Antique Mid-17th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
18th Century Santo Figure Mannequin Figures Florence Italy Original Patina
Located in Epfach, DE
This extraordinary jointed doll – a so-called Santo figure – probably originates from Florence and dates back to the 18th century. With a height of 78 cm, a depth of 20 cm and a widt...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
19th Century Articulated Wooden Figure of the Virgin Mary
Located in Leesburg, VA
19th century articulated wooden figure of the Virgin Mary
Anonymous
Spain; 19th century
Polychrome wood, inset glass eyes
Approximate size: 37 x 11 x 7 cm
An antique ‘Virgin...
Category
Antique 19th Century Primitive Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paint
$1,496 Sale Price
52% Off
More Ways To Browse
Antique Catholic
Italian Gesso
Antique Santos
Used Vestments
Church Altar
Ecclesiastical Art
Italian Art Antique Painted Religious
Antique Church Altars
Antique Vestments
Antique Wood Santos
Catholic Religious
Santos Italian
Santos Figure
18th Century Santos
Polychrome Santo
Dealers In Belgium
Santos Figure Italian
Carved Wood Statue Italy