Vintage SANTON French Woman Grape Cutter by R. Gatray

A beautiful, authentic Provençal santon or "little saint," this large figure is inscribed with the script signature 'R. Gatray' on the top of the base. Portraying une femme qui coupe des raisins (a woman who cuts grapes), this santon was hand made of terracotta clay, then hand painted and fired. She is dressed in 18th century style hand made traditional clothes in Provençal cotton fabrics, complete with lace-trimmed bonnet and pantaloons and a pair of wooden clogs. In her left hand, she carries a woven splint basket that hold purple beads cleverly clustered like grapes. A curved, realistic grape knife is in her right hand. Her face is beautifully molded and painted, with such a pleasant expression (she definitely resembles one of our French grandmothers).

Originally santons were painted clay nativity scene figures, but they became popular as figures dressed in the clothing of the people living in the Provence region that demonstrate everyday life. True santons are made by santonieres (santon makers) like Monsieur Gatray in Provence, but are often copied in materials other than clay, even---quelle horreur---plastic. This santon is not only signed by its maker, but is stamped on the bottom of the base "MADE IN FRANCE  PROVENCE." She is 12 1/2 inches tall,  6 inches wide from elbow to elbow and stands on a rectangular wooden base that measures 3 1/4 by 2 3/4 inches. She weighs 1 pound 14 ounces and is in excellent condition, clean and undamaged, with outstanding attention to detail,  ready to add to your collection or grace any room with her charm.

FF 5271