Santa Barbara

Unidentified, Santa Barbara, ca. 1675-1725, carved and painted wood and metal, 9 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄4 x 3 1⁄2 in. (24.2 x 10.8 x 9.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.56
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Artwork Details

Title
Santa Barbara
Artist
Unidentified
Date
ca. 1675-1725
Location
Dimensions
9 1⁄2 x 4 1⁄4 x 3 1⁄2 in. (24.2 x 10.8 x 9.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood and metal
Classifications
Subjects
  • Religion — saint — St. Barbara
  • Architecture Exterior — civic — tower
Object Number
1996.91.56
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1996.91.56

Artwork Description

According to legend, St. Barbara's father locked her in a tower to keep suitors away from her. She became a Christian while her father was away and when he returned he tried to kill her. Ultimately, she was condemned to death by a judge and her father was struck dead by lightning. She is venerated for protection against fire, lightning, and hurricanes. This santo (image of a saint) represents her triumphantly holding the tower in which she was incarcerated.