Rising Value of San Miguel Art
News Category: News and General Discussion
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Published July 2, 2022
by Joseph Toone
A type of art seen all over town called painted wood, or polychrome, statues have entered the world stage as desired collectibles in museums and private collections. Why? What does that mean to the art scene in San Miguel de Allende?
Up until the 16th century wood, terracotta and alabaster were typical sculpture mediums here in Mexico, but that all changed in the 17th century as Spain championed creating painted wood sculptures.
One artist sculptured the wood into a Virgin, Saint of Jesus. Then a painter came along and painted on top of the wood. Before that wood statues would often be gold leafed for color and visual appeal. Now the image had flesh toned skin, ivory teeth, glass eyes, resin tears, real hair wigs and eyelashes – all of which added to the realism of the piece.
Sidebar: If you are a big fan of the earlier gold leaf sculptures you’ll really enjoy the altars and side sculptures in the Temple of the Immaculate Conception and Temple of Good Health!
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