The Santos of New Mexico

As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace of the Governors features sixty retablos (devotional paintings on panel) and bultos (carved religious sculptures) from 1810-1880. They were acquired by the museum in 2007, and previously on display as part of the Tesoros de Devocion/Treasures of Devotion exhibition from 2008-2018. Bultos and retablos were created for villages and Pueblo churches, home altars, and the private devotional chapter houses of lay brotherhoods, known commonly to outsiders as Penitentes to promote and teach the Catholic religion in Spanish-speaking and Native communities. Experience works from master santeros (saint-makers) José Rafael Aragón, Molleno, the Laguna Santero, José Aragón, and more! 

Photo credit:

José Rafael Aragón, Santa Rita de Casia, 1821-1862. Larry and Alyce Frank Collection. NMHM/DCA 2007.032.035