Vintage clay Provence santon, signed, woman and sheep, 25cm figurine

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique Provençal santon, made of clay, depicts an elderly woman standing with her hands on her hips, dressed in a traditional dress with a defined waist. Her face is expressive, sculpted with many details, including wrinkles and an attentive expression. The figurine has a uniform patina, in natural brown tones, typical of fired clay. At the base of the statuette, two sheep are finely modeled, placed under the woman's left arm, evoking a rural scene emblematic of Provençal imagery.

The sculpture shows dynamic and realistic gestures, with a strong focus on the character's posture. The folds of the garment, the collar of the dress, and the hair are carefully detailed. The whole rests on an integrated base, also made of clay, which ensures the stability of the piece. The surface displays a matte texture, typical of artisanal modeling. A signature is present on the visible part, confirming the authenticity of the creation, although the precise name is not legible in the provided photo.

The natural coloration of the clay, without visible added paint, highlights the sobriety and authenticity of the Provençal santon tradition. The work presents a harmony between the human figure and the animals, testifying to regional craftsmanship. This type of figurine was intended for nativity scenes or decoration, but stands out here due to its significant size (25 cm, mentioned in the keywords) and its expressive rendering.

The details of the sheep, particularly the fleece and the position of the head, are precisely worked. The reliefs of the base evoke a rural environment. The uniform patina suggests an ancient piece, probably mid or second half of the 20th century, in accordance with the aesthetic and the "vintage" mention in the keywords.

The figurine is photographed from the front, under natural light that accentuates volumes and textures. No major defects are visible on the front surface, although slight irregularities related to handmade manufacturing are perceptible.

Condition

Second-hand item sold as is. Shows some signs of age and a uniform patina on the visible side. No apparent chips or cracks on the photographed part.

Internal reference

(No internal reference was indicated in the provided keywords.)

Did you know? Provençal santons have traditionally been hand-sculpted from clay since the end of the 18th century, following the French Revolution, a period during which public nativity scenes were forbidden. Santon makers then popularized these figurines, representing characters from the Provençal village, to recreate the Nativity in private homes.

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Keywords: antique santon, Provence clay figurine, woman and sheep statuette, Provençal nativity scene, signed vintage santon, large clay figurine, shepherdess statue, Provence clay figurine, rural decoration, nativity character, artisanal statuette, collectible santon