King Melchior

NameFigure

DateLate 1970s - early 1980s

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

MediumCeramic, fiber, paint

DimensionsKing: 9 13/16 × 11 13/16 × 13 in. (25 × 30 × 33 cm)
Chest and Pillow: 1 15/16 × 2 3/16 × 1 3/4 in. (5 × 5.5 × 4.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of Bob and Marge McCarthy, A.2011.38.5

Terms

Aups

Object numberA.2011.38.5ab

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."

DescriptionFigure(a) has brown harem pants under a blue and olive striped garment with a tan belt. He has a blue and olive patterned cloak. There is a black undershirt and a fur collar. He has a striped turban with beaded decorations. He has painted gold shoes and is carrying a chest on a purple pillow(b).