New Mexico RETABLO Santiago/Saint James by Christina Valdez, Santa Fe, NM

Description

Original Christina Valdez Retablo and
Official Poster for the 2010 Spanish Winter Market
Description of the Retablo
The retablo is of Santiago/Saint James the Greater was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, son of Zebedee and and Salome and brother of John the Apostle, Saint James the Great is the Patron of Pilgrims and Laborers.  He is also know as the Patron Saint of Spain, having earned the Spanish title Santiago Matamoros which means "Saint James the Moorslayer".  Feast Day July 25
On the back side of the retablo the inscription reads:  Patron of Spanish horsemen, horses and military.  St. James is portrayed on a white horse (caballero) and becomes a conqueror of the Moors (Matamoros).  It is reported that James was the brother of John the Evangelist and that a King had a vision of James in a dream promising help from God in the war with the Moors.  He became a symbol  of courage in battle.
Selected for the 2010 Winter Spanish Market Poster
The Museum of Spanish Colonial Art is the only museum in the country dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting the art of the Spanish colonial period with a focus on Hispanic New Mexico.  The Museum houses an incredible collection of over 3700 pieces, including historically significant and contemporary works.  The Board of the Spanish Colonial Society selected Christina's work for their 2010 Winter Market Poster from possible thousands of pieces of art work.
The Artist
Christina Valdez is a retablo artist that creates retablos in the tradition of her family in the Santa Fe, New Mexico area.  Christina's Retablo was selected to be the Official Poster for the 2010 Winter Spanish Market.  (See Photo of the Poster Above).  Christina Valdez shows her retablos at the Santa Fe Spanish Market with her family and continues the tradition of their ancestors and was awarded first place for her retablo which became the poster for the 2010 Winter Spanish Market.
Materials
Homemade hide glue gesso, pine wood and natural pigments.  Leather string on back for hanging.
Measurements
From the highest top center to the bottom measures
"16.25 long x 91/4" wide & has a 3/4" depth.
It is signed by the artist on front and back of the Retablo "Christina Valdez 2010".
Location of Purchase
Santa Fe Summer Spanish Market, Santa Fe New Mexico 2010.
If you have any questions about this retablo or any of my other paintings, please don't hesitate to contact me.  Thank you!! Please feel free to view my other Jewelry and designer items.