San Francisco de Asis

NamePainting

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

CultureHispanic American

Date1804-1845

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

Mediumtempera on yeso, hand-adzed pine panel

DimensionsOverall: 8 7/16 x 5 11/16 x 5 7/8 x 3/8 in. (21.5 x 14.5 x 15 x 1 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, bequest of Cady Wells, A9.1954.28 R

Object numberA9.1954.28 R

DescriptionFigure in blue habit holds cross and book, is bearded and tonsured. Upper part of panel is framed by red oval forms (flowers?) like those on panels, lower part of panel has two acanthus forms flanking figure but unlike many others painted by Molleno, these are blue instead of red and quite suggestive of the leaf, rather than of the pepper pod. The Saint's red collar or cowl is a color note supplied by the santero, probably becaue his engraved prototype offered no coloring scheme.