DepartmentHispano

Santiago

NameHide Painting

Artist Attributed to Molleno (New Mexican, 1815 - 1845)

Date1815 - 1845

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

MediumHide, paint, wood

Dimensions59 1/16 × 38 9/16 in. (150 × 98 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1952.13

Object numberA5.1952.13

DescriptionMan (Santiago) on white horse trampling heads of Moors. Figure is red cloak and black hat with banner, faces left, horse has tail cloth and scroll in place of brand. Skin is probably elk or buffalo, one piece, very soft and fresh on reverse. It is stretched on frame on front only--painting was carried on over exposed wood by the painter. The style is distinctively that of Molleno, a prolific and easily identifiable santero of 1805-4.Thus, this painting may be asssumed to be of pure santero origin, unlike others of 100 or more years earlier. Freshness and whiteness of skin does not support the possibililty of an older painting beneath this one as is found on some other painted skins.