The Santos of New Mexico
On display through Apr 03, 2025 at the New Mexico History Museum
As part of our Highlights from the Collection: The Larry and Alyce Frank Collection of Santos (saints), in the Palace of the Governors features sixty retablos (devotional paintings on panel) and bultos (carved religious sculptures) from 1810-1880. They were acquired by the museum in 2007, and previously on display as part of the Tesoros de Devocion/Treasures of Devotion exhibition from 2008-2018. Bultos and retablos were created for villages and Pueblo churches, home altars, and the private devotional chapter houses of lay brotherhoods, known commonly to outsiders as Penitentes to promote and teach the Catholic religion in Spanish-speaking and Native communities. Experience works from master santeros (saint-makers) José Rafael Aragón, Molleno, the Laguna Santero, José Aragón, and more!
Photo credit:
José Rafael Aragón, Santa Rita de Casia, 1821-1862. Larry and Alyce Frank Collection. NMHM/DCA 2007.032.035
Also on exhibit at the New Mexico History Museum
New Mexico CulturePass
Your ticket to New Mexico's exceptional Museums and Historic Sites.
From Indian treasures to space exploration, world-class folk art to awesome dinosaurs—our museums and monuments celebrate the essence of New Mexico every day.
More Info »
Encounter Culture
Take a look inside the museums and historic sites of New Mexico without leaving home. Join host Charlotte Jusinski, and a variety of guest curators, artists, and exhibitors in exploring the art and culture of the state in Encounter Culture, a new podcast from the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
Featured DCA Exhibitions
John P. Stapp Air & Space Park
Named after International Space Hall of Fame Inductee and aeromedical pioneer Dr. John P. Stapp, the Air and Space Park
more »
La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste
Mexican cartonería is an artform that expresses human imagination, emotion, and tradition using the
more »
New Mexico Colonial Home - Circa 1815
The Spanish colonial home (la casa) gives visitors an idea of what a home from the time around 1815 would have looked
more »
Michael Naranjo Touching Beauty Exhibit
On display in the Bataan Building Atrium Gallery: Touching Beauty Now, sculpture by Santa Clara Pueblo’s Michael
more »