Jose Mondragon (Cordova, New Mexico, 1931-1989). St. Francis of Assisi and St. Joseph the Worker wood carvings, n.d. Both are signed in pencil beneath the base. A wonderful pair of wood carvings by Jose Mondragon of Cordova, New Mexico. The first carving depicts St. Francis of Assisi - patron saint of animals and the environment - with one bird perched upon his left shoulder, another who has landed upon his right hand, and the image of a third along with leafy branches incised to adorn his robe. The other represents St. Joseph the Worker holding a large hammer in the hand of his raised arm. Saint Joseph taught his craft to Jesus as father and son worked side-by-side in Joseph's carpentry shop before Jesus left to pursue healing and preaching. Today Joseph the Worker represents the dignity and holiness of human labor. Size of St. Joseph the Carpenter: 8.5" H (21.6 cm)

Jose Mondragon, also known as Jose Domingo for his patron saint, was a remarkable carver. His religious works may be viewed in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#173845

Both carvings are signed on the undersides of the bases. Slight surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise very nice.