18th–19th Century Spanish Polychrome and Gilt Wood Santo – Virgin Mary & Child – Ecclesiastical Wax Seals – 23 cm Description A finely carved antique devotional sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary standing with the Christ Child. The figure is carved in solid wood and retains original polychrome decoration with gilded highlights over a traditional gesso ground. The sculpture shows extensive age-related craquelure to the polychrome surface, with areas of visible red bole beneath the gilding, consistent with historic Spanish ecclesiastical carving techniques. The surface displays natural devotional wear and patina developed over long-term handling and display. Of particular interest are the remains of red wax ecclesiastical seals bearing a cross motif, visible on the side of the sculpture. These seals were historically applied to church or monastery inventory items and are an important indicator of religious provenance. An old ink inventory number ("35") is also visible to the reverse. The figure stands upon an integral carved base. The underside reveals the original carved wood core with natural age-related shrinkage cracks consistent with period construction. Devotional santos of this type were commonly produced in Spain and Spanish colonial regions for church or private devotional use. Height: approximately 23 cm. Condition: Overall good antique condition with expected wear, losses to polychrome and gilding, age cracks to the wood and gesso layers consistent with age and devotional use. An evocative and characterful antique religious sculpture with clear signs of age and historic ecclesiastical context. Conditions of Sale By placing a bid, the buyer enters into a binding contract and agrees to the following terms: 1. Shipment, Delivery & Risk Delivery obligations are fulfilled upon transfer of the lot to a professional carrier for shipment to the address provided through the Catawiki platform. Official carrier tracking records, including delivery confirmation, delivery attempts, customs notifications, and status updates, constitute conclusive evidence of shipment and delivery progress. Risk transfers to the buyer upon dispatch. Claims of non-receipt that contradict carrier tracking confirmation will not invalidate the transaction. 2. Customs, Refusal & Contract Termination All import duties, VAT, customs clearance fees, brokerage charges, and related governmental assessments are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Refusal to accept delivery for any reason — including refusal to pay customs duties or import charges — constitutes: • Voluntary refusal of performance • Material breach of contract • Immediate termination of the sale in favor of the seller In such cases, the seller reserves the right to: • Request full payment release from Catawiki • Recover all return shipping fees, storage fees, administrative charges, carrier penalties, and related costs • Apply a reasonable restocking fee where permitted • Decline any obligation to reship the lot Returned parcels caused by refusal, non-payment of customs, failure to collect, or incorrect address remain entirely at the buyer’s risk and expense. 3. Condition & Description All lots are sold “as is” and “as photographed.” Photographs form part of the description and accurately represent visible condition at the time of listing. Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, glaze variation, craquelure, firing marks, surface irregularities, minor losses, restorations, manufacturing variations, and material inconsistencies are inherent characteristics of antique, vintage, and collectible objects across all categories and do not constitute defects. The absence of reference to condition issues does not imply perfect condition. No warranty is made that any lot is free from restoration, repair, alteration, or replacement unless expressly stated in writing. 4. Attribution & Opinion Any statement regarding age, origin, period, maker, material, cultural attribution, or historical context reflects informed opinion based on experience and research. Such statements are not guarantees or warranties. Differences in scholarly opinion, stylistic interpretation, market reassessment, or third-party evaluation do not constitute grounds for cancellation, dispute, or refund. 5. We pride ourselves on taking the time to pack well, however that does not reduce the risk of damage or breakage to abdolute zero. Bidding is with this accepting this concept in mind. By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full acceptance of these Conditions of Sale.