Santos in Oaxaca's Ancient ChurchesA study of santos in 16th-century and other churches in Oaxaca, Mexico
By Claire and Richard Stracke Funded by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. In Santo Domingo
Ocotlán: Calvary
Group: Crucifix and St. John |
Other Santos at Santo Domingo Ocotlan |
Saint Isidore the
Laborer
The boots and the lower part of the tunic are heavily encrusted with wax that has dripped from the candles used by parishioners to make the sign of the cross first over the saint and then over an afflicted companion. This devotional expression was observed during our visit. Local Name: San Isidro Labrador Basis for Identification: Team of oxen, belted knee-length tunic, trousers, boots, hat. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: West wall of the chapel in the north wall of the narthex (see note). Media and construction: Repainted wood and gesso. Size: About 3 feet (90 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Coixtlahuaca, Huitzo, Tamazulapan, Teitipac, Teposcolula. External Links: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Local Name: An inscription is cut into the glass of the case: "Ntra Señora del Carmen Ocotlan Oax." Basis for Identification: Brown robe, Christ child, scapulars, vertical halo. Other characteristics: A 1½ foot (46 cm.) crucifix is at the feet of the statue. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: On an altar in the chapel off the north wall of the narthex (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, stiffened cloth. Size: About 5¼ feet (160 cm.). Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Coixtlahuaca
main altar, Cuilapan, Ejutla, Etla, Guelavia, Huitzo, Teitipac, Teposcolula,
Tlaxiaco,
Xoxocotlán,
Zaachila,
Zimatlán. External Links: St. Thomas the Apostle?
The garments seem to have been repainted long ago, in dull purple and gold. The crude cedar pedestal is recent. Basis for Identification: Carpenter's square. It is conventional in European iconography to show St. Thomas with a carpenter's square. But at Ejutla and elsewhere in Oaxaca one finds the carpenter's square with statues of St. Jude Thaddeus, normally in conjunction with a book and often with other tools. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: Left of the Carmen altar in the chapel off the north wall of the narthex (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, stiffened cloth. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Size: About 4 feet (120 cm.) Unidentified Female Saint
No emblems or symbols to identify this statue. The face has heavily shadowed lids, the shadowing ribbed as if to suggest lashes. The thumbs have been lost, and the fingers of the right hand are broken. The lower part of the robe is deteriorating. There is less detail to the face and hands than is the case with the St. Thomas at the other side of the altar. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, stiffened cloth. Eyes: glass. Size: About 4 feet (120 cm.) Unidentified Monk A wooden staff with a knob at the top is fastened to the left hand by a white ribbon. The hands are realistically done, with wrist veins and fingernails, but the face is not well detailed. The right arm is simply a wooden cylinder, painted black, to which the hand and wrist have been affixed. Basis for Identification: Black habit with broad gold collar, gold cincture, biretta, wooden crucifix in right hand. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass case left of the retablo of the major altar in the first bay of the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Glass eyes, with lashes. Size: About 3 feet (90 cm.) Unidentified Female Saint
The garments have been repainted, but not the hands, feet, and face, which retain a fine sheen. The hands have deteriorated somewhat. Basis for Identification: A
flaming torch in the right hand, a closed book with a
cross on the cover crooked in the left arm, a jug
hanging from the left wrist. In European iconography St.
Lucy is sometimes shown with a flaming torch, but if
this statue were of her we would expect a martyr's palm,
and her most common attribute is a plate holding two
eyes. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass case on a cabinet to the left of the major altar in the first bay of the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, stiffened cloth. Eyes: glass, with lashes. "San Lazaro" Basis for Identification: Identified
as "San Lazaro" by a parishioner, this statue looks just
like representations of St. Roch in other parts of the
world: A staff with a crook in the right hand, a ragged
tunic, ulcers on the legs, and a black dog at the feet.
One of Jesus' parables regards a poor man named Lazarus
who was "full of sores" (Luke 16:20),
but he was only a fictional character, not a saint.
There is a "St. Lazarus," the man whom Jesus raised from
the dead and who legend said went on mission to France
after the Ascension. But he is never shown with ulcers
or in rags. Other characteristics: The sculpted tunic is "torn," revealing the ulcers in and above the knees; more ulcers appear on the calves. The sandal thongs are painted onto the legs. The dog has individually sculpted teeth set into an open mouth. Some paint has chipped away from the dog.
Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: Small altar to right of the major altar of the second bay in the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint. Eyes: glass, no lashes. Size: About 3½
feet (105 cm.) External Link: Virgin Mary in a Coffin The hands are tied together by one of the ribbons of the nosegay the figure is holding. The hands and face lack detail, but the feet have realistic toes. The sandals are part of the carving. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: On the major altar of the second bay in the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Size: About 4½
feet (135 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Ejutla, Coixtlahuaca, Teposcolula. Sacred Heart The hands are fairly well detailed, with tendons, veins, and realistic fingernails. The robe, cloak, and cincture are white. The heart is of recent manufacture. Basis for Identification: Flaming heart on the chest, cruciform halo. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: Above the coffin on the major altar of the second bay in the north wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Hair: wig. Size: About 6 feet (183 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla, Cuilapan, Huitzo, Tamazulapan, Teposcolula, Yanhuitlán, Zimatlán. External Links: Virgin Mary
The hands and face are realistically but reticently detailed. The crucifix is of recent manufacture. The bib hangs from the collarbone to mid-calf and is fringed with jet or black glass. Basis for Identification: Black
robe, black bib, black mantilla,
sunburst halo. Other characteristics: A flaming cross at the breast, a small crucifix standing at the feet. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass case along the north wall of the nave between the north chapel and the apse (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments, metal cross (brass?). Eyes: glass, with lashes. Hair: wig. Size: About 5½
feet (165 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla,
Etla1 (in the
Soledad group) Etla2, Guelavia1,
Guelavia2,
Nochixtlán,
Ocotlán, Teotitlán, Teotitlán2, Tilantongo1,
Tilantongo2,
Yanhuitlán1, Yanhuitlán2, Zimatlán. External Links: Undistinguished. The expression of the face seems typical of more recent times. Local Name: La Virgen del Rosario Basis for Identification: Holding the Christ Child in the left arm, rosary draped between the two extended hands. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass case atop an altar in the north wall of the apse (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments. Size: About 5½
feet (165 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla,
Coixtlahuaca,
Cuilapan,
Teitipac1,
Teitipac2,
External Links: Trinity: Throne of Mercy + Pietà
The Father has a triangular halo and does not wear the usual triple crown. All but two of the teeth set into the mouth have now been lost. The right hand is raised as in benediction and the open left hand supports the Son's left elbow. The Son is shown proportionately smaller than the Father; the eyeballs roll up under half-closed lids, and the head tilts toward the Father. The Son's body is not highly detailed. The work has been repainted in flat, bold colors. The simple throne is carved wood. Basis for Identification: Enthroned Father with dove on chest and Son draped between the knees as in death. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass-fronted niche in the stone of the south wall of the anteroom just north of the apse (see note). Media and construction: Wood,
gesso, paint. Eyes: glass. Hair: sculpted. Sculpted
teeth for both Father and Son. Size: The Father's
height is about 4 feet (120 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: We did not see any other santos that combined the usual "Throne of Mercy" iconography with the "Pietà" arrangement of the dead Christ in the arms of (normally) his mother. For "Throne of Mercy" santos, see Diaz Ordaz, Mitla, Tamazulapan, Teitipac, Teotitlán, Tlacolula, Xoxocotlán, Yanhuitlán. External Links: Crucifix Long, narrow face with slanted eyes and sunken cheeks. The ribs are suggested rather than clearly outlined and the bruises are barely visible on the legs. Wood can be seen under the gesso at the toes. Local Name: El Señor de la
Misericordia. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: East wall of the anteroom just north of the apse (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, stiffened fabric loincloth under embroidered fabric apron. Hair: sculpted. Size: Life size. Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla, Santa Ana del Valle1, Santa Ana del Valle2, Santa Ana del Valle3, Cuilapan, Etla, Guelavia, Mitla, Nochixtlán, Tamazulapan1, Tamazulapan2, Teitipac1, Teitipac2, Teitipac3, Teotitlán1, Teotitlán2, Teposcolula1, Teposcolula2, Teposcolula3 (in Rosary case), Teposcolula Convento1, Teposcolula Convento2, Tilantongo1, Tilantongo2, Tlacolula, Xoxocotlán1, Xoxocotlán2, Xoxocotlán3, Xoxocotlán4, Yanhuitlán1, Yanhuitlán2, Yanhuitlán Convento1, Yanhuitlán Convento2, Yanhuitlán Convento3, Yanhuitlán Convento4, Yanhuitlán Convento5, Yanhuitlán Ayuxi Chapel, Zimatlán. External Links: St. Rose of Lima Basis for Identification: Dominican habit with rosary, crown of roses, halo. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: Left end
of the main altar. Media and construction: Frame and fabric. Face and hands are wood/gesso/paint. Silver halo. Size: About 5 feet (150 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Achiutla. Basis for Identification: Dominican habit with rosary, halo, quill pen in right hand, open book in left. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: Second from the left of the five santos on the main altar. Media and construction: Frame and fabric. Face and hands are wood/gesso/paint. Silver halo. Size: About 5 feet (165 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Etla. External Links: St. Peter the Apostle Local Name: San Pedro
Apóstol. Basis for Identification: Keys, staff topped by triple cross, triple crown. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Size: About 5½
feet (165 cm.) Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Coixtlahuaca,
Etla, Huitzo, Mitla, Díaz
Ordaz,
Tamazulapan, Teitipac1,
Teitipac2,
Teotitlán1,
Teotitlán2, Teposcolula1,
Teposcolula2, Yanhuitlán. External Links: Saint Anthony of Padua
The figure holds a lily. The hands are highly detailed. Under the repainting one can see the gesso and cloth. Local Name: San Antonio de Padua. Basis for Identification: Franciscan habit, child on book in left hand. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: South wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Repainted polychrome. Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Coixtlahuaca, Etla, Huitzo, Mitla, Tamazulapan, Teitipac, Teposcolula, Tlacolula. External Links: Our Lady of Sorrows (Soledad) Location: South wall of the nave. Saint Peter? The hands and head are a different
color from the feet, which look older. Basis for Identification: Triple crown. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: South wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric garments, paper crown. Size: Life size. Comparable santos of St. Peter in
Oaxaca: Coixtlahuaca,
Etla, Huitzo, Mitla, Díaz
Ordaz,
Tamazulapan, Teitipac1,
Teitipac2,
Teotitlán1,
Teotitlán2, Teposcolula1,
Teposcolula2, Yanhuitlán. External Links (St. Peter): Immaculate Heart of Mary
Local Name: Corazón de
María. Basis for Identification: A heart is pinned to the robe, which is white. The hands are extended forward with the palms open. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: South wall of the nave (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, metal heart. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Hair: wig. Size: Life size. Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Cuilapan,
Huitzo, Mitla Teitipac,
Teposcolula,
Zaachila,
Zimatlán. External Links: Christ Seated in the Pretorium ("Pensive Christ") The work is realistic especially in its detailing of the backs of the hands, the ribs, and the nipples. There is much streaming blood but there are no visible ulcers. Parishioners were observed rubbing the glass with chrysanthemums and then rubbing the chrysanthemums onto companions or taking them home. Local Name: El Dios de la
Peña. Basis for Identification: Seated with naked to the waist, purple cape, crown combining crown of thorns and cruciform halo, palm in left hand, head leaning on the right hand. Site: Church of Santo Domingo Ocotlán. Location: In a glass case on the small altar in the south wall of the narthex (see note). Media and construction: Wood, gesso, paint, fabric cape, white cotton trousers, metal crown/halo. Eyes: glass, with lashes. Hair: wig Size: Slightly less than life size. Comparable santos in Oaxaca: Ejutla, Etla, Guelavia, Teposcolula, Tilantongo, Tlacolula, Yanhuitlán. External Links: Introduction to Santo
Domingo Ocotlán Note: On this site, references to the cardinal directions always assume that the main altar is at the east end of the church, the narthex or entry area at the west end, and the two walls of the nave on the north and south. Actual orientations may differ. (The nave is the long central section. The apse is the area covered by a half-dome at the east end of the nave, where the main altar is located.)
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