Santos Figure of St. Roch (Late 18th Century) Patron Saint of Dogs

Artist: Spanish School.
Title: Saint Roch, Patron Saint of Dogs.
Date: Late 18th Century.
Medium: Wood and polychrome paint.
Size: Height 30.5 cm x Width 9 cm x Depth 5 cm.
Condition: Paint loss and wear commensurate with age and use, the left hand is missing.
Provenance: Private Collection Sydney Australia

About: This Santos Figure of Saint Roth is steeped in symbolism and pays homage to an often-overlooked saint who watches over our loyal canine companions and serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and dogs.

Born in the 14th century, Saint Roch, also known as San Roque, is a widely venerated saint in the Catholic Church, particularly in relation to his role as a protector and healer against the plague. It is believed that, during his travels, Saint Roch was accompanied and sustained by a loyal dog who came to be his constant companion.

Spanish Santos figures meet a demand for private piety, in houses and small chapels. They were also used to spread Christianity through Asia and were distributed as the Spanish colonised other countries and established trade routes as well as to convert more primitive cultures to Catholicism.