San Cayetano

NameRetablo

Maker José Aragón (Hispanic American, 1796-1862)

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

MediumTempera, gesso, pine wood

Dimensions54 to 56.5 cm high x 41.5 to 42.5 cm., app. 2 cm thick

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1954.48

Object numberA5.1954.48

DescriptionPainted simulated moldings at corners, dark red figure of San C., tall, slender, in black robe with ornate red collar, caught at girdle, (same red and white design), then falls to knees with large cross at end. Robe or soutane has neatly drawn white inner collar, gray triangular pieces at shoulder yoke, gray facing on right side where lining seems to be folded back. The feet, turned squarely out, are in toeless socks, and are firmly planted on the head of a cherub. At St's left is large terra cotta colored staff with curly top, from which hangs a gourd. Overlapping St's pale blue halo at top center is an oval filled with red dots and red and blue center. At his right is an altar cut away at bottom like reversed steps of medium indigo. On this is a large black cross from which hangs a crown of thorns, at center of cross trunk another cherub below that another dotted oval. Under the altar top is another cherub, and two more at right of panel (5 in all). The symbolism is appropriate--cross and crown in reference to Calletano's mystical crucifixion"--the gourd and staff might suggest his work in plague hospitals, as he does not seem to hve been recorded as a pilgrim or itinerant. The three ovals and five cherubs perhaps refer to an apparition of the Virgin he had, or to his founding of the Order of Divine Love. The basket of flaming hearts sometimes shown with him is here absent. A most interesting and decorative panel by Jose Aragon in spite of the damages.