José Benito Ortega (1858 - 1941; active 1870s - 1907) was a prolific Santero, a carver of bultos and painter of retablos, traveling on foot from village to village in Northeastern New Mexico. His work was displayed in households, churches, and penitente moradas at a time when the Church was trying to replace the traditional folk art with more modern artworks.
These two bultos represent The Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, and would have been made to stand as tiny figures at the foot of a large Crucifix (not present). The Saints Mary and John were among the those who attended to Christ throughout the ordeal of his crucifixion, and the pair were encouraged by Christ to care for each other after he was gone.
These two bultos are carved from wood, gessoed, and painted in oils. They’re positioned to be seen from below and their gazes look into the viewers’ eyes. St. John is 9 ½ inches tall, Mary is 9 ¾ inches; each is placed on a wooden pedestal 4 ¼ x 3 × ¼ inches.
From the estate collection of Edward Barr “Ned” Goodnow (1925 - 2024).
José Benito Ortega (1858 - 1941; active 1870s - 1907) was a prolific Santero, a carver of bultos and painter of retablos, traveling on foot from village to village in Northeastern New Mexico. His work was displayed in households, churches, and penitente moradas at a time when the Church was trying to replace the traditional folk art with more modern artworks.
These two bultos represent The Virgin Mary and St. John the Evangelist, and would have been made to stand as tiny figures at the foot of a large Crucifix (not present). The Saints Mary and John were among the those who attended to Christ throughout the ordeal of his crucifixion, and the pair were encouraged by Christ to care for each other after he was gone.
These two bultos are carved from wood, gessoed, and painted in oils. They’re positioned to be seen from below and their gazes look into the viewers’ eyes. St. John is 9 ½ inches tall, Mary is 9 ¾ inches; each is placed on a wooden pedestal 4 ¼ x 3 × ¼ inches.
From the estate collection of Edward Barr “Ned” Goodnow (1925 - 2024).
