Late 19th Century Santibelli Figure Of Saint John The Baptist Under Glass Dome - 17¾"

Rich in devotional charm and vibrant in color, this late 19th-century Santibelli figure of Saint John the Baptist is a striking example of southern French art populaire. Made of polychrome and gilt terracotta, the figure is finely modelled and housed under an antique glass globe. Saint John is depicted as a youthful figure, draped in a golden fleece and holding his traditional attributes, the lamb and the banner, framed by a garland of pressed metal flowers.

The santibelli tradition, rooted in the popular religious culture of Provence, particularly around Marseille, flourished from the late 18th to the 19th century. These hand-crafted terracotta figures were known for their vivid polychromy, gleaming gilding, and theatrical presentation beneath glass domes. Their name comes from the Provençal "santi belli", meaning “beautiful saints,” and they were often made by local artisans to be sold at fairs or religious markets. With their bright colors and layered symbolism, santibellis served not only as objects of personal devotion but as richly decorative focal points in the home.

This example is especially notable for the intensity of its palette, and the abundance of ornamental detail, from the gilded base to the carefully rendered floral arch. Both joyful and reverent, it is a piece that bridges faith and folk art, offering an eye-catching centerpiece with deep cultural resonance.