Antique santon by Claude Carbonel, vintage traditional Provencal costume figurine

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique santon depicts a male figure dressed in traditional Provençal costume. The figurine is signed Claude Carbonel, a brand known for the quality of its santons de Provence. The standing figure is dressed in light pinstripe trousers, a red waistcoat under a dark jacket, a red and white checkered shirt, and a blue floral-patterned scarf tied around his neck. He also wears brown fabric gaiters over his shoes. A wooden walking stick is held in his left hand, a typical accessory for Provençal shepherds or walkers.

The santon's head, hands, and shoes have a matte finish, evoking the appearance of painted terracotta, a signature of the Carbonel style. The facial features are expressive, with a visible mustache, and the dark headwear completes the traditional look. The clothes are made from real fabrics, adding realism to the ensemble. The base visible in the photo bears an impressed inscription "Claude Carbonel."

The color palette, dominated by earthy tones, reds, blues, and whites, recalls the folk costumes of southern France. The upright posture, leaning on the stick, reinforces the authenticity and rural life scene evoked by this santon. The well-proportioned piece illustrates the craftsmanship of the Carbonel workshops, a famous Marseilles house.

The visible face shows no major apparent defects: the clothes have retained their colors and texture, the facial details are clear, and the base simply shows some light traces of use consistent with an antique object.

Condition

Used item sold as is. Some minor signs of wear are visible on the base and clothing, with no apparent structural defects on the shown side.

Did you know? The Claude Carbonel house, founded in Marseille in 1935, perpetuates the tradition of the Provençal santon by crafting each figurine by hand. Carbonel santons are renowned for their faithfulness to regional costumes and their wide variety of characters inspired by rural life and trades of yesteryear.

AFW Reassurance

Fast shipping and careful packaging. Professional seller specializing in antique and decorative objects.

Keywords: Provençal figurine, nativity character, Carbonel santon, artisanal statue, Provence decor, antique santon, Claude Carbonel Marseille, traditional costume, Provençal shepherd, vintage santon, painted terracotta, French nativity figure