Vintage R Shipman Saint Dominic Guatemala Folk Art 16in Hand Cast 1999

DESCRIPTION

Offered is a distinctive 1999 R. Shipman Saint Dominic hand cast and hand-painted Guatemalan folk-art devotional figure, measuring approximately 16 inches tall. The figure depicts Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, and retains its original informational tag describing Saint Dominic and identifying the piece as individually hand cast and hand-painted in 1999 by R. Shipman.

This is an especially interesting example because of its unusually large 16-inch scale, primitive folk-art styling, strong polychrome decoration, and unusual cast construction. The figure has the simplified, rustic visual character associated with devotional folk art rather than the refined appearance of a conventional ecclesiastical sculpture.

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIAL

The original tag specifically identifies the figure as "hand cast" rather than hand-carved, and close examination of the exposed areas and underside reveals a wood-based composite construction. The material appears to incorporate visible wood pieces/fibers within a very hard binding matrix. Because the precise binder has not been documented, it is being described conservatively as a wood-based composite/cast material, rather than being represented as solid carved wood or identified as a specific type of resin.

The rough, varied texture visible along the underside and recessed areas is consistent with the cast construction and is part of the character of the piece.

The figure is finished in a deliberately rustic polychrome palette of red, ochre/gold, black and white, with hand-applied decoration that contributes substantially to its primitive folk-art appearance.

R. SHIPMAN / 1999

R. Shipman Inc. examples from the late 1990s are known in the secondary market for hand cast, hand-painted decorative and religious figures. Surviving examples dated 1998–1999 include religious saints as well as other imaginative decorative subjects, making this Saint Dominic part of a recognizable period of R. Shipman production.

This particular example is especially desirable for collectors because it retains its original Saint Dominic identification/information tag, which states that the piece was individually hand cast and hand-painted and dates it to 1999.

SUBJECT

Saint Dominic was born in Spain and founded the Dominican Order in the early 13th century. The original tag discusses his life, gentleness and vision and also references the traditional friendship between Dominic and Saint Francis of Assisi.

CONDITION

This is a vintage 1999 used/previously displayed folk-art figure with visible age, handling and finish wear consistent with its approximately 27-year age. The hand-painted surface exhibits scattered rubbing, paint loss, abrasions, color variation, small surface imperfections and areas of checking/cracking. The exposed composite material along the underside and recessed areas has its original rough texture and visible wood fibers/fragments.

These characteristics are clearly shown in the photographs and should be considered part of the authentic rustic character of the piece rather than treated as a newly manufactured decorative object.

The original Saint Dominic information tag remains attached to the back. The "Made in Guatemala" label is also present on the underside.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the detailed close-ups, as they are considered an important part of the description.

MEASUREMENTS

Height: Approximately 16 inches
Width across base: Approximately 5 inches
Base depth/thickness: Approximately 1.75 inches
Weight: 1 lb. 9.9 oz.