Hand-carved mid-century devotional wood bust of Saint Martin de Porres, created during the canonization period in 1962. Includes original hand-cut metal halo with thorn motif and inserted glass eyes, mounted on a solid wood plinth with engraved presentation plaque.
The brass plaque reads (translated from French):
“Wood sculpture of Saint Martin de Porres, contemporary of its time. Gift of Mr. Émile Vaillancourt, former Ambassador to Peru. April 1962.”
Saint Martin de Porres was canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962, situating this sculpture within the official canonization-era commemorations. The dated plaque and donor information indicate the piece was presented as a diplomatic gift. Vaillancourt served as Canadian Ambassador in Lima, Peru, making acquisition during diplomatic tenure highly plausible.
Features
- Hand-carved solid wood devotional bust
- Original metal thorn-style halo (detachable)
- Glass eyes (higher-end devotional technique)
- Solid wood plinth with engraved 1962 presentation plaque
- Diplomatic provenance
- Authentic period devotional work, not a later reproduction
Condition
Age-appropriate wear and patina, surface handling marks, and a natural vertical wood shrinkage split (not a break or repair). Halo intact, no restorations observed.
Period: Mid-century (1962)
Subject: Saint Martin de Porres (Peru)
Country of Likely Acquisition: Peru (via Canadian diplomatic service)
Country of Origin (documented): Canada (plaque engraving)
Material: Carved wood, metal, glass eyes, brass plaque
HS Tariff Code: 9703.00.00 (Original sculptures)
Country of Origin for Customs: Canada
DIMENSIONS: Length : 6.5 in. x Width: 6.5 in. x Height: 14 in.
FINAL NOTES FOR LISTING
- Do not restore
- Do not over-clean
- Story + provenance drives value
- Photograph plaque and halo clearly
- Mention Saint Martin’s Peruvian origin for search relevance
Notes: U.S. buyers are responsible for import duties, tariffs.