Saint George

Patrociño Barela, Saint George, ca. 1935-1943, carved juniper, 17 x 10 ¹⁄₂ x 5 ³⁄₄ in. (43.2 x 26.7 x 14.6 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, 1985.65.1

Artwork Details

Title: Saint George
Artist: Patrociño Barela
Date: ca. 1935-1943
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
/
Luce Foundation Center
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3rd Floor
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26B
Dimensions: 17 x 10 ¹⁄₂ x 5 ³⁄₄ in. (43.2 x 26.7 x 14.6 cm.)
Credit Line: Transfer from the General Services Administration
Mediums: juniper
Mediums Description: carved juniper
Classifications: Sculpture
Subjects: New Deal — Works Progress Administration, Federal Art Project — New Mexico
Emblem — cross
Religion — saint — St. George
Object Number: 1985.65.1
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.65.1

Artwork Description

According to Christian tradition, St. George slew a dragon with the help of God and one strike of his lance. In this carving the top of the saint’s weapon forms a cross to show the source of his miraculous victory. Each of Patrociño Barela’s sculptures is carved from a single block of wood because he believed that this increased its spiritual power.