San Miguel Arcangel

NameRetablo

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Place madeNEW MEXICO, United States, Southwest, North America

MediumTempera, gesso, pine wood

DimensionsOverall: 14 3/16 x 10 1/4 in. (36 x 26 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1952.89

Object numberA5.1952.89

DescriptionOf a 1/2 length figure in pyramidal cape with broad lapels and exposed facings of fancy red and white. Very fancy buckle or knob on head with short curled plumes, (cf 18th century Mexican paintings of archangels in helmets or small caps, with prototypes of more easily recognized ostrich plumes). No hands visible, no attributes. Boldly drawn in typical manner of J. Rafael Aragon, swag at upper right. Across bottom is lettered SAN MIGUEL ARCANGEL. (Without this it would be hard to identify the subject as it is not treated in the usual NM version with full length figure spearing demon (dragon,) with lance and scales.) Beside lips is mirror written "Quisut Deus." Probably a phonetic attempt to write "Quae est ut deus," (who is as god), a form like that found in various canticles beginning "who is this who is an"--(the lily), etc., here would refer to Michael as messenger of God. From old collections of HSNM. Marked "Truchas" so may have come from that village. No other data. Lent to W.S. Stallings Jr., between 1948-1951 for dating, no report received by August 1952.