Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

After the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, glass domes containing flower bouquets in porcelain vases were imported from France. The glass domes, locally called virinas, were soon used to encase santos, especially ivory ones or those dressed in gold- or silver-embroidered vestments. The hermetically sealed domes prevented the air from tarnishing the gold embroidery and the gilding of the bases. In this particular example, a virina was used to encase The Holy Family or Sagrada Familia. The images of the Child Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph with ivory faces and hands on a wooden body and are clothed with silver-embroidered robes are standing on the base. The ivory faces, particularly that of the Niño, are somewhat chubby and have wigs fashioned from human hair. The Child Jesus is also standing on a carved base or peana, as if it was a statue. Its purpose was to give height to the figure, which would hardly have been noticed, if it was standing on the ground. The Virgin has a rostrillo around its face, an unusual feature, because such was usually used only on images of the Dolorosa or Sorrowful Mother. St. Joseph carries the usual rod topped with leaves and flowers, signifying his purity. He has an umbrella-like halo attached to his back, while the Niño has the usual three silver potencias attached to his pate. Above the Niño is a plaque embossed and chased with a triangle with a dove hovering above it with wings outstretched. The former signifies God the Father, while the latter represents the Holy Spirit. Embossed and chased rays surround the triangle and dove. The base of the virina is carved with a decorative pattern featuring native fruits and flowers with the sampaguita and cacao easily discernible. - With notes from the Archives of Martin I. Tinio Jr.