DepartmentEurope

King Gaspar

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

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

MediumCeramic, wood, fiber, paint

DimensionsKing: 13 5/16 × 11 × 8 7/16 in. (33.8 × 28 × 21.5 cm)
Gift: 2 3/16 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (5.6 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.3

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.3ab

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."

DescriptionThe king(a) is wearing a black jacket with silver strands woven in. It has pearl bead buttons. He's wearing a black scarf and a black turban with pearl bead decorations. His cloak is red velvet on one side and yellow on the inside and is fastened at the shoulder. His harem-style pants are red and tan striped and blouse out below the knee. His shoes are painted red and gold, and curve up at the toe. He has a belt with a decorative medallion and stands on a wooden base. He's carrying a golden gift(b). Signed "Mamie Martin M.O.F." on base top.