Retablos
In Northern New Mexico, once part of Mexico and called New Spain, the folk art of retablos (hand painted wooden panels) evolved during the period 1780-1907. This unique art was first introduced by settlers from Mexico who came to colonize a harsh and rugged land inhabited by Southwest Pueblo Indians.
To satisfy their hunger for spiritual sustenance in this vast landlocked frontier, the colonists continued their tradition of creating Catholic devotional images of saints and angels.
Original and unorthodox, the New Mexican santos have a direct emotional appeal and are uncluttered and naïve compared to their elaborate and realistic Spanish cousins.
To satisfy their hunger for spiritual sustenance in this vast landlocked frontier, the colonists continued their tradition of creating Catholic devotional images of saints and angels.
Original and unorthodox, the New Mexican santos have a direct emotional appeal and are uncluttered and naïve compared to their elaborate and realistic Spanish cousins.
