Presented in this lot is a Spanish Handcarved Wood Madonna Santo Folk Art from Guatemala, circa mid to late 20th century. This statuary representation of the Virgin Mary was made by an indigenous artisan known as a santero, created as a form of Roman Catholic devotional folk art. This handcarved wood Santo features polychrome gesso overlay and displays intricate carving and detailing, especially of the facial features. The Madonna is wearing a crown with a cross atop, earrings and a large flowing robe whilst standing on winged baby heads. In Renaissance art, the Virgin Mary is often depicted standing or ascending to heaven on a cloud of winged baby heads. These are cherubim or putti, representing a choir of angels acting as divine intermediaries. The hands (and often faces) are intentionally oversized by the artist so that they would be clearly visible to worshippers from the back of a church or dimly lit home altars. Religious Spanish santos (Spanish for "saints") are hand-carved or painted devotional images representing the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, angels, or Catholic saints. Originating in Spain, this rich tradition of religious folk art spread throughout the former Spanish Empire, becoming deeply rooted in regions like New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central and South America and the Philippines. Traditionally created by local artisans known as santeros, these sacred objects were crafted for use in village churches, religious processions, and personal home altars (nichos). The core types of Santos fall into two distinct artistic categories: "bultos" which are three dimensional carves sculptures and "retablos" which are paintings on flat wood panels. This Madonna Santo is in amazingly well preserved condition, very slight gesso and paint loss observed. Measures 17"H x 5.75"W x 6"D approximately, weight is 3lb, 8oz.