DepartmentEurope

King Balthazar

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

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

MediumCeramic, fiber, paint, wood

DimensionsKing: 13 3/4 × 9 1/16 × 7 1/16 in. (35 × 23 × 18 cm)
Gift: 1 3/4 × 1 5/8 × 1 5/8 in. (4.5 × 4.2 × 4.2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.4

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.4ab

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 blue striped vest over a lighter shirt. There is a belt that matches the shirt. He's wearing off-white harem pants and off-white booties with red decorations. He's wearing an off-white turban with gold stripes and a blue cloak fastened by a brooch at his shoulder. A gold decoration hangs from his turban. He's wearing a ring and carrying a golden gift(b). There is a feather in his turban. Signed "Mamie Martin" on base top. Also signed "No 4" on base top.