Santos Series 01: San Ramon & San Roque

The photo above is purported to be a 19^th century or early 20^th century carved santos. I could be wrong but this one looks like San Ramon Nonato because of the white chasuble. This piece came to me a year ago from another island that is famous for its delicacies. It seemed that the previous collector-owner wanted to dispose this along with the ubiquitous San Vicente Ferrer, but among the lot, this San Ramon is the best carved.   San Vicente, San Roque and Virgin Mary Bohol-style are more common than the rest, so getting another saint type is desirable for it gives one’s  collection variety.  This means that if you see a San Agustin or a Sta. Ana or a Sta. Teresa de Avila, get it for more often than not, you won’t find another one of the same type in the next years or so.

 

This 2^nd santos is San Roque (St. Roche).  This was sourced from one of the outlying towns in my province.  Provenance wise, this came from the prominent Callate family whose nonagenarian matriarch had passed away a year ago.  So, one of the remaining heirs who converted to Non-trinitarian Protestantism was only too happy to dispose of their saintly heirlooms apparently in a bid to earn more shopping mileage.  But their issues are not mine, so whatever item they want disposed I shall gladly take. 

Anyway, this San Roque was originally a table top figure. All San Roque statues consist of three parts: San Roque, the angel bearing a scroll, and a dog.  In my case, probably because of wood deterioration, the seller cannibalized the set and mounted the saint and the angel onto a felt-backed wooden frame.  Such frames are common during the 70s-80s.  

 

What I love about this is that the figure is an original from the 19^th century, with just the right amount of folk naiveté.  The saint is well-carved as seen in the beard, the flow of the fabric, and the proportion of the body.  The master-carver must have some training in order to execute such minor expertise.  The angel, however “folkish”, is also original with intact patina. It is important that when collecting Philippine santos, one must try to preserve the patina or choose one that has not been sanded over nor retouched.  However, there are pieces that were painted over several times because of tradition should be reconsidered for this would add another layer of story to the piece instead of destroying it.  Caveat emptor still precedes any decision whatsoever.
 

Some Tips for collectors:

If you encounter a saint type that is rare and uncommon, get it for chances are, you won’t stumble a similar type on the next antiquing expedition.

If a veteran collector or an old family is unloading their goods, check it out. Their items may be choice pieces since they bought it during a time of plenty.

Do not 100% believe the provenance of your antique dealer or runner.  A lot of times, theirs are just hearsays.  Believe it though if you bought the item directly from the owner.

Do diligence check on all desired items. Check for faults, restorations, fakes, etc.

Try to avoid santos that had been sanded over / intentionally excoriated whereby the patina of the poor thing has all but disappeared.