Santos in Oaxaca's Ancient Churches
A study of santos in 16th-century and other churches in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Claire and Richard Stracke. Funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Santos in Oaxaca's Ancient ChurchesA study of santos in 16th-century and other churches in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Claire and Richard Stracke. Funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. |
El Señor de la MisericordiaCrucifix (Embroidered red loincloth).Paint and gesso over wood or possibly paste; painted eyes, carved hair; fabric loincloth; 7'. |
The figure is barrel-chested, the ribs forming the stylized inverted U not infrequently seen in Oaxaca crucifixes. The face has a Zapotec look, elongated and triangular with close-set eyes, although there is more white than red in the complexion. The eyes are partly closed. The head is dis-proportionately small. Blood flows amply from the knees, the brow, and the five wounds, but it is not extreme as compared with the Christs used in Passion Week processions. The body is hollow to the tap. The gesso shows at nicks on the toes, hair, and elsewhere. The statue has lost the three middle fingers of the left hand and the index and middle fingers of the right.
Location: Stairwell in southwest corner of the ex-convento. |