New Kingdom of the Saints: Religious Art of New Mexico 1780-1907 - Hardcover

Frank, Larry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 187861018X ISBN 13: 9781878610188

Publisher: Red Crane Books, 2004

Synopsis

This book illustrates the development of religious art in northern New Mexico over a period of 150 years. To sustain their faith when they came to the New World, the Spanish relied on santos, visual representations of saints, to alleviate their loneliness and enrich their lives. More than three hundred santos are illustrated.

About this title

About the Author

Larry Frank studied medieval art in Paris. Upon returning to the United States, he found that the counterpart that continued the tradition for him was the linear and stylized design of the santos. He was a collector of santos for thirty-five years and was considered a leading authority on the subject.

Reviews

Collector, curator, and writer Frank shares over 35 years of fascination with New Mexican santos "saints" , and their makers, the Santeros. Whether as retablos , which are paintings on wood, or bultos , their sculptural counterparts, santos act as direct intermediaries with divine personalities and are even rewarded or punished according to their level of assistance. These unique Hispanic American icons are rooted in Catholic baroque style, but harsh living conditions, relative isolation, and limited imported materials fostered a simpler linear style suggestive of medieval art. With the years 1780-1907 marking the peak of their production, this true folk tradition of the Americas has been neglected until recently. The many excellent color reproductions, study aids, and an annotated glossary of saints make this book an accessible reference choice.
- Susan M. Olcott, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Ohio
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Crane Books
• Publication date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 187861018X
• ISBN 13: 9781878610188
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 146