18th Century. Life-Size, Carved Wood Figure of a Man (Santos) on Plinth (Italian)

Dating to late 17th/early 18th century, this rare sculpted, life-size male figure is very realistic with an expressive and posed face, and well-carved male torso and genitalia, raised on polychrome and gilt plinth.

CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. Beautiful patina garnered over two centuries.
 
PROVENANCE:

From the Estate of renowned antique historian and collector, Eddi Van Auken (1946 - 2024), in California who acquired it from Il Segno del Tempo, Milan, Italy. Previously it was listed as a ‘Possesso Importante’ in a Private Estate Inventory of a Benedictine Monastery in Milan.