San Cayetano

NameRetablo

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Place collectedPecos Pueblo, New Mexico, United States, North America

MediumTempera, gesso, pine wood

Dimensions36.5 x 24.5, 2cm thick not including moldings

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of the Historical Society of New Mexico, A5.1953.3

Object numberA5.1953.3

ProvenancePainted on reverse is "Found 1872, Santa Maria, at Pueblo de Pecos an old Indian Pueblo known over 100 years." As the church and houses of Pecos Pueblo were abandoned ca. 1838, the panel could not have been found in 1872, and have been in the good condition that it is. The yeso does not survive exposure to the elements, nor could it last if buried underground. The panel might have come from Pecos town, whose inhabitants no doubt had as many santos as those of other villages.

DescriptionFigure in partial relief, drapery outlines, yeso is half-round, on hand-hewn pine panel. Bevelled moldings affixed with dowels, painted red sides present, top and bottom lost. Figure is full face, kneeling, with clasped hands, in usual dark robe and collar, smooth-shaven face, tonsure. Cross is painted behind head, a crown of thorns hovers in air at figure's right, palm at left., (right of panel), two wavy streamers hang from elbows. Tiled floor painted into lower third of panel. Colors much darkened, will not clean with any solvents tried. Condition of yeso excellent. Previous restorer had used paint remover and left it on surface so that a milky scum covered panel. This was cleaned off, panel waxed. (March 1953).