Santa Rita de Casia

NameRetablo

MediumTempera on gesso on hand-adzed pine panel.

Dimensions23.5 to 24 cm x 17.5 to 18.8 cm, o.6 cm to 1.2 cm thick.

Credit LineGift of the Historical Society of New Mexico

Object numberA5.1952.77

ProvenanceSame source as A5.1952.55: Purchased with a lot or retablos form Julius Gans, June 1952 [See A5.1952.55 record]

DescriptionFigure drawn very crudely in uncertain outlines and elementary forms. Torpedo-shaped sleeves are only barely indicated, head is wrapped in black without suggestion of white wimple and coif, neck bare, red collar below neck. Figure holds skull and cross, is flanked by two pairs of red pinnacle-shaped forms with small black finials. These may represent church towers, of a style not known in New Mexico. Panel is framed with dark red border which widens toward top to fill upper corners. This makes the mustard yellow background six-sided. Where border widens are two floral motifs drawn in black outline. Primitive pattern of forms suggests African or Pennsylvania Dutch witch or hex mood. In style this has relationship to CW-R-71, CW-R-86, and others of this series in the Wells collection. This santero is not often found, and is distinguished by an extraordinary lack of proficiency in drawing (as to mechanical control of line), and in his application of pigment to surface. The panels, however, have a naive charm and a certain decorative sense of pattern in space.