DepartmentEurope

Old Woman with Firewood

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

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

MediumCeramic, wood, fiber, paint

DimensionsWoman: 12 5/8 × 5 11/16 × 5 5/16 in. (32 × 14.5 × 13.5 cm)
Walking Stick: 9 5/16 × 2 3/8 × 1 9/16 in. (23.7 × 6 × 4 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.23

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.23ab

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."

DescriptionStanding older woman(a) with bundle of firewood wrapped in a black cloth and tied with twine. She has gray hair and is wearing a torn and patched red and black striped skirt, a black floral print shirt and a black, torn shawl. She has a black kerchief on her head and tan petticoat and pantaloons. Her blue and red socks are painted on, as are her black shoes. Signed "Mamie Martin" and "M.O.F." on top of base. Walking stick(b) made of a twig.