In recent years, tremendous attention has been focused on the Arts of 18th and 19th century New Mexico. This colonial period benefited from a creative and religious community that populated the region. Retablos, painted panels depicting saints worshiped in churches and private homes, were an important part of the rich culture. The Lyon Collection beautifully illustrates the breadth of Retablo painting by exmaining specific Santo's stylistic development as well as the iconography and social history of each painting. This landmarl publication will be of great use to the ongoing study of colonial southwestern art and history. 107 colour illustrations

Studies retabloes--Mexican paintings on tin created in the latter half of the nineteenth century--from art, religious, and historical perspectives, and discusses efforts made to restore and conserve the artwork.

The first part of the book is given to an analysis of folk retablo painting. The second part concentrates on iconography and on why certain images of Christ, Mary, and the saints were venerated. The third part examines ex-votos, small images painted to commemorate the donor's gratitude for a favor.

This vivid study, richly illustrated with forty color photographs, offers a multilayered analysis of retablos—folk images painted on tin that are offered as votives of thanks for a miracle granted or a favor bestowed—created by Mexican migrants to the United States. Durand and Massey analyze 124 contemporary retablo texts, scrutinizing the shifting subjects and themes that constitute a running record of the migrant's unique experience. The result is a vivid work of synthesis that connects the history of an art form and a people, links two very different cultures, and allows a deeper understanding of a major twentieth-century theme—the drama of transnational migration.

Santos and Saints is a new book, though the title has been around for over twenty years. This new edition provides greater detail and newly available information to illustrate the santero's art and to describe the tradition roles of santos in both religious and secular life. Santos and Saints has served for two decades as the best available guide to the religious folk art of New Mexico. In its new edition, it has become even more valuable to scholars and general readers alike.

Infinitas Gracias is the first collection of the work of Alfredo Vilchis Roque, one of Mexico's most famous contemporary painters, and his sons. In the tradition of Catholic votives, each painting tells a miraculous tale and gives thanks to the intervening saint. Ablaze with intense color hearkening back to the natural pigment dyes of ancient Mexico, these works portray the kaleidoscope of issues that constitute modern urban existence. With over 200 paintings, from circus adventures to household accidents to adultery, drugs, and prostitution, Infinitas Gracias weaves together a bizarre tapestry of stories, some disturbing, some comical -- all unerringly wrought and profoundly touching.

More than 350 beautiful color photographs depict 18th to mid-20th century Mexican devotional art, including danced masks, devils and angels, santos, milagritos, retablos, and ex-votos. They were used in religious ceremonies at home and church, and include wood carvings and items of clay, stone, metal and paper. Seven essays cover the history and meaning of the works.