Antique Carvings of 3 Apostles, Bolivia (2035)

Description

This triad is part of a larger set likely placed on a side altar in a Bolivian Roman Catholic church and represents 18th-19th century Spanish Colonial religious folk art. The raw wood blocks on the lower backs indicate how they were originally slotted into a larger altar retablo framework. Each piece is well-carved with expressive and spiritual bearings. The seated Apostles have inset glass eyes, painted lashes and well-articulated facial features. The slight crack lines on the sides of their faces indicate the process by which the eyes were inset into the faces. All are bearded and wear similar robes, although with different vibrant hand painted color combinations of red, green and yellow. The hand positions and body postures diverge slightly. They are in fine condition with their original, un-restored weathered patina and expected  visible paint loss and flaking, particularly on the yellow and blue cloaks, exposing the bare wood underneath.

Each is mounted on a two-tiered wood base, elevated at different heights and much of the original bright pigmentation remains. This trio truly exhibits fine and detailed workmanship. As a carved set they emanate a sense of power and feeling that convey the emotion and spiritual character of the figures and what they represent.

AI Market Valuation Summary

AI rates this piece as  Highly Collectible  for the following reasons:

These figures are highly collectible for their historical, cultural, and artistic value. These carvings are authentic 18th-19th century Spanish Colonial folk art from the Bolivian region. Each piece is hand-carved from a single piece of wood and decorated using traditional polychrome painting techniques with an aged patina. The inset glass eyes with painted eyelashes reflect higher-tier craftsmanship and gives the folk art figures a life-like sacred aura.  Authentic multi-figure triads or altar sets from this era are difficult to find intact, as many were separated or lost over generations.

This triad is featured in a VA instagram post.