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. |
Trinity |
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Trinity (Seated Father, in red cape, with triple crown, holding crucifix surmounted by dove, globe).
Wood, gesso, paint; glass eyes; 3'. The figure has a stately geometry. A rounded diamond is formed by the head, the mantle curving around the hands, and the lap. The diamond thus frames the crucifix presented to the viewer by the Father. The face is highly sculpted, with deep hollows in the cheeks and a proud yet sorrowful expression. The skin has a high gloss. The quality of the face, together with the diamond pattern, suggests the Father figure may be an old polychrome. There seems to be a gold sheen beneath the most recent layer of paint on the cloak, especially at the knees, but this layer also includes touches of what is unquestionably gold paint. The robe has been painted white, with gold flowers. The left leg suffered damage before the most recent repainting; a piece of the wood seems to have split away. The crucifix and bird are recent. The bird is particularly crude and is unusual in that it faces the Father figure. Between the calves of the Father figure is a globe which appears to be an original. It is now topped by a small cross painted gold. The Father figure is tied into a simple green armchair, which has a half-rosette at the head. Location: East wall of the second chapel in the north wall of the narthex. |