COLLECTION NAME:
Santo Collection
Record
Creator display:
Rivera, Mel (American santero)
Date display:
2011
Title:
Crucifijo with San Miguel
Work type:
retablos (panel paintings)
Acquisition note:
purchase, 2011
Accession number:
RU0861
Measurements display:
45.7 x 33 cm
Santo Subject:
San Miguel Arcángel (Saint Michael the Archangel)
Santo Subject Type:
Angels
Feast Day:
May 8, September 29
Patronage:
Patronage: Opponent of the devil (see Brown, Hispano Folklife of New Mexico, pp. 131-32) and all evil; patron of soldiers; guardian of small children.
Note:
Michael's main task is battle against the devil and all his symbols. Clad often in armor and crowned, holding balance-scales and a sword or spear, standing on a snakelike monster. He weighs souls in the pans of his balance scales, sometimes marked with a cross for eternal life and a zero for punishment. As guide of the soul in its journey to heaven, he may hold keys. In a few retablos, there is an as-yet-unexplained bracket over his left wing.
Rights text:
IN COPYRIGHT - EDUCATIONAL USE PERMITTED