Description: This unique religious icon of SAINT GERTRUDE, "Patron Saint of Cats," is a lovely miniature piece of art that will enhance any collection. Created by artist Frances Perea in the style of the New Mexico Santos. The icon is perfect for those who love cats and it's a great way to add a touch of spirituality to your home. This collectible item is ideal for display in a frame or as a table centerpiece. Professionally printed on Premium Semi-Gloss 4x6 Photo Paper with white border. Ideal size for framing. Beautiful colors and details. Colors and details may appear slightly different on your monitor depending on settings. Easel is for display only and is not included with the photo. Watermark will not appear on your photo print. HISTORY OF NEW MEXICO SANTOS The term "santos" refers to religious figures or icons, specifically those representing saints in Catholicism, and is particularly significant in the cultural and artistic traditions of New Mexico. The history of santos in New Mexico is deeply intertwined with the region's Spanish colonial past, Indigenous cultures, and contemporary religious practices.Early HistorySpanish Colonization: The Spanish arrived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, bringing Catholicism to the Indigenous peoples of what is now New Mexico. They introduced the veneration of saints, which became an essential aspect of religious life in the region.Indigenous Influence: Native American beliefs and traditions blended with Catholic practices, leading to unique forms of religious expression. Indigenous artisans began creating wood carvings and paintings of saints, often incorporating local styles and materials.Artistic DevelopmentWood Carvings & Retablos: The craft of making santos is particularly prominent in New Mexico. Artisan woodworkers, especially in the Spanish Colonial style, began creating santos from locally sourced wood, often depicting saints that held special significance in local communities.Holy Figures: Commonly depicted saints include San Isidro (patron saint of farmers), Santo Niño (the Christ child), and San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). Each figure carries specific attributes and iconography that reflect local customs and beliefs.Santo Shrine: Many families in New Mexico maintain home altars, or "santo shrines," where santos are displayed alongside candles, symbols of faith, and offerings. These shrines serve as focal points for prayer and reflection.Contemporary CultureRevival and Preservation: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional santos, as collectors and artists seek to preserve New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. This has led to both the revival of traditional techniques and the development of new artistic expressions.Cultural Events: Numerous festivals and gatherings celebrate the artistic traditions associated with santos, including art shows and religious processions that honor the saints.Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Contemporary artists in New Mexico often blend traditional techniques with modern themes, addressing both cultural heritage and contemporary issues.ConclusionSantos in New Mexico serve as a testament to the region’s rich cultural tapestry, reflecting the intersections of Spanish colonialism, Indigenous traditions, and evolving artistic practices. Today, they remain an important symbol of faith and community identity, celebrated both in religious contexts and as valuable works of art.
Price: 4.95 USD
Location: Winchester, Tennessee
End Time: 2024-11-20T18:35:55.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Religion: Christianity
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
