Circa 1830 . Marseille. Santibelli. Saint Joseph And Baby Jesus

Popular Mediterranean piety, both in Italy and Provence, gave birth to objects that belonged to it.
If Naples has its magnificent "presepe" figures dressed in precious fabrics, their heads and limbs masterfully sculpted in clay, Marseille's earthenware makers in the 19th century produced, in addition to small santons, large figures, molded and finished by hand, representing saints, but also characters either well-known or from everyday life.
The Santibelli are painted and gilded with gold leaf, based on baroque church sculptures, and are often placed under a globe to protect them.
The one shown here is in very good original condition, with its gilding and well-preserved polychromy, and depicts St. Joseph with the infant Jesus in his arms.
Please note the small holes in the hands, on the head and even behind the head, which can be used to place a palm, a halo or flowers, all in painted metal or silver.
Just a small chip on the back (around one of these holes), otherwise remarkable condition and successful sculpture.