Small Santibelli From Marseille By Mercier, Depicting A Holy Woman – Restoration Period,

A charming Marseille santibelli made of molded and polychrome terracotta, depicting a standing holy woman dressed in a long, heavily pleated gown accented with gilding. The figure rests on a polychrome molded base in shades of green and red, characteristic of these popular early 19th-century pieces.

The delicately modeled face, the wavy hair framing the eyes, and the remnants of the original polychrome paint lend this sculpture all the gentleness and charm of Provençal religious imagery. This example has a particularly interesting size: at 30 cm tall, it is smaller than the typical Marseilles santibelli, which are generally around 40 cm in height.Provençal work from the period of restoration, circa 1815–1830.Signs of wear, scuffing, and small losses of polychrome paint consistent with the piece’s age.

About Marseille santibelliThe word “santibelli” comes from the Provençal phrase santi belli, meaning “beautiful saints.” Produced mainly in Marseille between the 18th and 19th centuries, these religious statuettes made of molded terracotta were hand-painted and then sold at fairs, markets, and pilgrimages. Intended for domestic devotion, they allowed families to adorn their homes with devotional images at a modest cost. Today, these artifacts of Provençal popular faith are sought after for their authenticity, their expressive character, and the richness of their polychromatic colors.