Santa Barbara

Copied Unidentified, Santa Barbara, 18th century, carved and painted wood, 9 1⁄4 x 3 7⁄8 x 3 3⁄4 in. (23.5 x 9.9 x 9.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.57
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Santa Barbara
Artist
Unidentified
Date
18th century
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
9 1⁄4 x 3 7⁄8 x 3 3⁄4 in. (23.5 x 9.9 x 9.6 cm.)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — foliage — palm
  • Architecture Exterior — civic — tower
  • Religion — saint — St. Barbara
Object Number
1996.91.57
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.91.57

Artwork Description

In Puerto Rico smaller images of saints (santos) were usually made for private prayer, while larger figures were intended for church. A wealthy patron probably owned this early figure. As more artisans carved santos, they became increasingly accessible to families of moderate means. By the end of the nineteenth century, santos could be found in most Catholic households on the island.