Large Vintage Brazilian Carved and Painted Wood St. Francis Plaque, Signed Batista, Probably 1940's-60's

This exceptional folk art plaque is relief carved into a heavy tropical hardwood plank with painted details, possibly a type of mahogany. It depicts Saint Francis who lived as a hermit and befriended birds and other wild creatures. His image is particularly revered in the Hispanic Southwest, and this piece was found locally. 

Online researching for the origin and artist of this carving, I used the keywords "Batista wood carving." The search of images, I found three examples with the distinctive deep gouge carving that surrounds the Saint in this piece. These three similar plaques were sold at art auction houses in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and were all signed "Batista" in the same vertical format -- and created on vertically oriented wooden planks as well.  One carving depicts Jesus, and the other two examples depict woodland-spirit figures surrounded by tropical foliage, implying the artist had some Native American roots.

This piece is very appealing with a wonderful primitive quality and is highly suitable for display in both interior and protected outdoor settings.

Condition: Very good with no structural damage. The painted surfaces have some wear and in the lower areas of the piece there is loss to the varnish or shellac coating on the Saint's clothing, revealing the rich original blue paint. There are also four filled holes that were drilled for mounting some time in the past: one in the halo and three near the base. Professionally restored.

Dimensions: Hardwood plank: 32-3/4" tall x 13" wide x 3/4" thick

NOTE:  This item cannot be shipped to a PO Box. Buyers wishing to “buy it now” or “best offer” must alter their shipping address to a street address for delivery.