San Longinos

Date1780-1840

Attributed to The Truchas Master (active 1780-1840)

OriginAmerica, New Mexico, Truchas area (probably)

MediumWater-based paint and gesso on pine panel.

DimensionsOverall: 11 x 7in. (27.9 x 17.8cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1990.101.1

DescriptionFull-length male figure wearing dark blue brimmed hat, red-orange, white, and blue jacket with diagonal sash or bandolier, medium blue breeches with white stockings and black shoes. The figure faces slightly left and holds a lance in his proper right hand. The lance is held vertically and has a three-pointed end and two cords with tassels hanging below the tip. Two stylized plants flank the figure at LL and LR. The figure's proper left hand is held near his chest. At the center right edge is a stylized cliff (mountain?) on which is a crucified figure. Two quarter circles are painted in the UL and UR borders of the composition: they are painted with an orange grid pattern.
Label TextMany of the mission churches in what is now New Mexico were richly decorated with “santos” or devotional images. The paintings and sculptures depicted religious subjects and were often used for worship or religious observances. This “retablo” or panel painting depicts San Longinos, the legendary Roman soldier who was instantly converted to Christianity after he pierced Christ’s side with a lance during this crucifixion. It belongs to a body of work widely recognized as the first folk art created in New Mexico. The artist is sometimes also known as the Truchas Master, named for the church and town where the majority of his works were found.
InscribedThe remains of a paper label with an inscription written in ink is taped on the verso. The label reads "This old Spanish painting/abt(?)from/old church...a N.M....... 150 years old."
ProvenanceAn unidentified Putnam County, N. Y. estate. Paradise Trading Co., Brewster, N.Y. Olana Gallery, Brewster, N. Y. William Wroth, Bloomington, In.

Exhibition(s)

America's Folk Art