Unidentified Subject

NameRetablo

MediumTempers over yeso ground on hand-adzed pine panel.

Dimensions19 x 11 to 11.5 cm, 1.2 to 1.5 cm thick

Credit LineGift of the Historical Society of New Mexico

Object numberA5.1952.78

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

DescriptionBearded male stands with arms raised, nailed to yellow cross. He wears long, black robe and crown of thorns (yellow). At right of figure is a column, ending in a point. This might represent a column or, one with a brazier on its top. Red swags left and right with narrow blue border all around. At first this seems an aberrant Crucifixion, with Christ in black robe. Close inspection, despite worn paint and yeso losses, shows a chain or collar falling below waist, of dark red and green. This, with the supposed brazier, may give a clue to determine that this is an image of San Cayetano (or Calletano). The black gown and fancy collar, insignia of his order, are proper to him. The brazier could refer to his founding of the Order of Divine Love, the Thestins. His mystic trances may be symbolized by his pose of crucifixion with crown of thorns. The panel, what can be seen of it, is in the manner of the follower of Miguel Aragon. If this is of San Cayetano, it is interesting that the panel is by the above painter and not by the Dot-Dash painter who seems to have had a monopoly on this subject among retablo makers. The fact that this panel is by another santero would account for the difference in renderings. 1930 sale price $2.50