Saint: San Antonio de Padua/Saint Anthony of Padua

Molleno, New Mexico, 1815-1845 Gesso, and water-soluble paint on wood 7 5/8” x 5 ½” History Collection NMHM, 2007.32.230

St. Anthony was a thirteenth century Franciscan friar, noted for his many miracles. He is recognized by his blue Franciscan habit with knotted cord and tonsure, which is the circular haircut worn by monks to symbolize the crown of thorns. Many groups of Franciscan friars in colonial New Spain chose to wear blue, in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary rather than brown or gray robes of European usage. He usually carries the infant Jesus, who appeared to him in a vision. He also may hold a book or a quill pen, symbols of his learnedness and preaching. He is usually prayed to for assistance in finding lost objects, marriage and fertility. This artist was first known as the “Chile Painter,” owning to his use of red, chile-like space fillers, such as those found in this image.