Shepherdess with Sheep

NameFigure Group

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

(not assigned)AUps, Cote d'Azur, France, Europe

MediumCeramic, fiber, paint, wood

DimensionsShepherdess: 12 13/16 × 5 1/2 × 4 1/8 in. (32.5 × 14 × 10.5 cm)
Sheep: 2 9/16 × 3 3/8 × 1 3/8 in. (6.5 × 8.5 × 3.5 cm)
Hat: 1 3/8 × 2 1/8 × 2 3/16 in. (3.5 × 5.4 × 5.6 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.11

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.11ab

ProvenanceThe tradition of making santons ("Little Saints") in Provence, France began after the revolution when it was forbidden to have the creche figures in churches. People made them at home of wax or wood or ceramic and added local figures bringing gifts to the Christ Child. See paperwork in file titled "How Santons Are Made" and "How Mamie Martin Santons Are Made."

DescriptionShepherdess(a) is carrying a sheep(b) in her apron. She is wearing a white undergarment and striped, patched undergarments. She's wearing a blue skirt, brown apron, and blue floral shirt and orange patterned shawl. She has a white bonnet underneath a brown felt hat(c). No shoes. The sheep is laying down. Signed "Mamie Martin MOF" on base top.