CRISPULO JOCSON
De Tallado San Ignacio de Loyola
Last Quarter, 19th century, Manila
Lightwood, paint, gesso and estofado
106 X 43 x 43 cm (41 3/4 x 17 x 17 in)
San Ignacio de Loyola, born in Azpeitia, Spain in 1491, joined the military at age 18, and after sustaining grave injuries to his legs in a battle that made him limp for the rest of his life, he ended his military career. During his recovery he had a spiritual conversion that led to a religious life and founded the order of the Society of Jesus in 1540, which became well known for their vow of special obedience to the Pope. He was a major player in the Counter-Reformation to respond to the Protestant Reformation.
Depicted here, his near balding hair and short beard highlighting his undeniable good looks and sagacious demeanor, the priest is wearing a chasuble painted in estofado style, large intact parts of which show moderately intricate brocade patterns, with the Jesuits symbol in front and a big cross at the back. The inner alb has lace ruffles at the collar and cuffs and the estofado clearly shows the beautiful design of the lace bottom. A maniple hangs from his left arm as the hand cradles a copy of his book The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. He stands on an “ochovado” base with mouldings. The back of the base bears the name of the sculptor, C. Jocson, made possibly for a church.
Crispulo Jocson, together with Manuel Flores, was the assistant of Isabelo Tampinco who designed and executed the woodwork of the altar, reredos and pulpit of San Ignacio Church in Intramuros which was completed in 1889. Maybe chapel in size by colonial standards, but the Neoclassical style church is considered the most beautiful church in the Philippines due to its interior filled with wood carvings done in tropical hardwoods in varying colors. It was destroyed during World War II. Jocson later opened his own atelier in Santa Cruz district, in Manila which became one of the most popular santo makers in the country during its heyday.
Estimate: PHP 120,000 – 150,000
Lot 396A of the Salcedo Auctions auction on 22 September 2018. Please see www.salcedoauctions.com for more information.
