San Miguel

NamePainting

Maker José Aragón (Hispanic American, 1796-1862)

CultureHispanic American

Date1830-1862

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

MediumTempera on yeso on hand-planed pine panel

DimensionsOverall: 13 9/16 x 8 7/8 x 13/16 in. (34.5 x 22.5 x 2 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, bequest of Cady Wells, A9.1954.17 R

Object numberA9.1954.17 R

Collections

Folk Art of New Mexico

DescriptionIn the style of Jose Aragon. Figure wears stylized version of baroque Roman cuirass and tunic, painted in brilliant blue and red. He holds scales, spear and has a scythe shaped red form behind his left shoulder. This is found on other santero renderings of San Miguel. The dragon or demon is a large, curly tailed beast with glowing red eyes. Upper corners are filled with bands of stripes and dots, inner borders of dots and scallops.