Old signed Gilbert santon, vintage peasant figurine, wicker basket

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This old santon depicts a peasant woman in traditional attire, hands on her hips, carrying a full wicker basket on her left side. The hand-painted figurine features a color palette typical of Provençal santons: a blue-gray dress and apron, a brown bodice, a wide-brimmed white hat, and black clogs. A golden medallion adorns the apron, adding a touch of sparkle. Her face displays rosy cheeks and emphasized lips, while the naive features are reminiscent of regional folk art.

The dynamic posture, with one leg slightly forward and a base imitating earth, gives this santon a lively and expressive appearance. The basket, made of imitation wicker, is filled with light-colored elements suggesting a harvest or local specialty. The details of the headdress, puffed sleeves, and clothing folds attest to precise handiwork. The inscription "Gilbert" is visible on the front, confirming the artisan's signature.

The colors are matte, with a slightly patinated finish that suggests a certain age without excessive shine. The entire visible surface shows no additional decoration, but the facial expression and arm position give the piece a lot of character. The base is wide and stable, allowing the santon to be placed on a shelf or in a Provençal nativity scene.

This type of figurine is part of the Provençal santon tradition, used for decorating nativity scenes during the Christmas period or as a decorative object throughout the year. The composition includes elements typical of southern rural life, with attention paid to the faithful representation of regional costume.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The paint and surface show some slight traces of wear, visible on the headdress and the edges of the base, with no major chips or apparent cracks on the visible side.

Did you know? Provençal santons originated at the end of the 18th century when the French Revolution banned public nativity scenes. Local artisans then began to create these small figurines from clay or similar materials, representing rural life and traditional trades in the South of France.

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