361. PORAC’S LITTLE JOHN of the SANTOS FAMILY

The small, but handsome image of the young SAN JUAN APOSTOL is a family heirloom from the Familia Santos of Porac, led by Leon Santos, a planter and businessman. Family lore has it that the image was originally owned by a local Chinese who gifted it to the Santoses. The image was inherited by Leon's son Isidoro Ponce Santos, whose overseas-based children now contributes the funds for his upkeep, including procession expenses.

The San Juan image is just 3 feet tall, with articulated arms. In this version, San Juan has carved, brown-painted hair, that falls gracefully down his nape and shoulders. Over his stiff collared top, he wears a tunic of green with a red, shawl-like drape on his shoulders. He is topped with a brass halo and shown holding his attributes: a feather quill and a book.

For years, it was a regular participant in the annual Lenten processions of Poblacion, Porac, Pampanga, until 2000. His entry is preceded by his symbol as an evangelist, a carved figure of an eagle, which has the ability to gaze directly at the sun, representing the divinity of Jesus.

Last procession appearance of San Juan, 2000

As San Juan was the smallest religious image in the procession, the Santoses decided to pull it out and caused a new, taller image to be made, to  match the size and proportions of the other Lenten santos.

MANY THANKS TO MR. JERRY PUNZALAN SAGMIT for the photos and information.

349. A MINIATURE SAN JUAN EVANGELISTA

Miniature wooden santos –those measuring 8 inches or less, including the base—are a rare sight, so much so that there are collectors who specialize in them—like artist Claude Tayag. The standard for the carved figures alone is 6 inches, most often dominated by figures of the sleeping or standing Sto. Niño.

Less common are miniature figures of adult saints and divinities, like San Vicente Ferrer, the Blessed Virgin. Rare still are diminutive tableaus of the Sagrada Familia, San Roque and San Isidro.

Which is why, when a beautifully carved San Juan Evangelista popped up last year I the FB Marketplace, I lost no time in contacting the dealer ( a fellow Kapampangan collector!) and acquiring the piece.

The standing figure of San Juan is a shade under 6 inches tall, with a double base ending in an ochovado block that added another 2 inches to its height.

For a miniscule santo, San Juan is exquisitely carved and finished. True to his iconography, he is vested in a yellow robe with a green collared cape, holds a book, with only his quill missing from his other hand.

He was painted like a regular-size santo, gessoed, with his facial features  rendered using a very fine brush. His longish hair is parted in the middle, and swept at the back. His robe is decorated with tiny fleur de lis. Remarkably, the vestments show traces of gilding. The usual surface scruffs are typical of old santos, just like this

We can only surmise the reason why santeros were compelled to carve miniature santos. Maybe these were commissioned for children, or for smaller home altars. Or maybe it was a way of leveling up their skills, as carving intricate details such as  tiny hands and strands of hair were difficult to do. 

This San Juan may have been the result of such an exercise,  and we can all agree that the santero did very well, a very fine job indeed!