United States, New Mexico, possibly by Enrique Rendon (American, 1923-1987), ca. 1980. A hand-carved and hand-painted wooden Santiago Matamoros figure, also known as Saint James the Greater or Santiago the Moor Slayer, depicted as a young caballero on his white horse by a New Mexican folk art sculptor, possibly Enrique Rendon or one of his followers/colleagues. The bearded saint wears red and blue vestments with white "embroidered" decoration. Santiago Matamoros and the horse were carved separately, but the rider's legs were carved so that he easily sits upon his horse. Furthermore, the Moor Slayer's arms articulate up and down and it is possible that he once held a sword. Finally, for the horse's tail, the sculptor used actual white horse hair. Please read the extended description below to learn more about Santiago Matamoros as well as Enrique Rendon. Size: 13" L x 4.75" W x 14.25" H (33 cm x 12.1 cm x 36.2 cm)

This figure is based on a prototype found in European paintings of Santiago Matamoros - triumphant upon a white horse, dressed in lavish vestments, oftentimes depicted wielding an intimidating sword and trampling over many severed heads of Moors. Similar iconography also constitutes the central section of a 7 panel altarpiece in the Chapel of the Alcazar of Segovia. Santiago Matamoros was one of Christ's disciples who is believed to have founded the Christian church in Spain. In addition, a myth of the Middle Ages describes how years after his death, Santiago Matamoros miraculously resurfaced in the battle of Clavijo in 844. During this battle he assisted the Christian King Ramiro I of Asturias in his victory over the Moors who ruled Spain between 711 and 1492.

According to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, "Enrique Rendon collected burrs from the fields and stuck them together to create small figures and animals. He also constructed tiny pieces of furniture from tin and aluminum. A few years before he retired, Rendon became good friends with the santero (carver of wooden saints) Horacio Valdez and began carving small images of saints, or santos."

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; Ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York USA circa 1965

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#168991

Santiago Matamoros and the horse were carved separately, but the saint's legs were carved so that he easily sits upon his horse. In addition, the saint's arms articulate up and down. Normal surface wear with some scuffs, nicks, and wear to pigmentation on both figures, but otherwise very nice. There is a small hole atop Santiago Matamoros' right hand, suggesting that he probably once held a sword or other attribute. It is also possible that he once wore a hat. Still, a wonderful piece by an impressive folk artist from New Mexico.