? SIGNED RETABLO: Santa Barbara – Hand-Painted New Mexican Folk Art by Roxanne Shaw 11 3/4″ x 5 3/4″. This is an exceptional, original retablo depicting the revered Santa Barbara, hand-painted and signed by the noted New Mexican santera, Roxanne Shaw. This piece is a stunning example of traditional Spanish Colonial sacred art, crafted using time-honored methods. The vibrant natural pigments and meticulous detail bring the patron saint to life, typically showing her standing by her symbolic three-windowed tower, often holding the martyr’s palm. Medium: Natural pigments (gesso and paints derived from minerals and plants) on hand-adzed wood panel. Style: Traditional New Mexican Spanish Colonial (Santero) art. Condition: Used/Excellent Vintage Condition. The Significance of Roxanne Shaw. Roxanne Shaw is a highly respected and award-winning santera (saint maker) from New Mexico, continuing a rich family tradition. She learned the devotional art of creating retablos from her mother, the renowned artist Catherine Robles-Shaw. In Santa Fe in 1996, with some of her pieces now in the permanent collection at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts. Roxanne is known for adhering to the authentic, centuries-old process of creating retablos, which involves hand-adzing the wood and using natural pigments, ensuring the preservation of this unique cultural art form. Santa Barbara: The Holy Helper & Protectress. Santa Barbara is one of the most popular saints, revered across the world as one of the. According to tradition, Santa Barbara was a beautiful maiden locked in a tower by her pagan father to keep her safe and isolated from Christianity. She secretly converted, and while her father was away, she had a third window added to her tower, symbolizing the Holy Trinity. Because of the lightning strike that instantly killed her father as punishment after he executed her for her faith, Santa Barbara is invoked as a powerful protectress. She is the patron saint of those facing. Sudden and violent death. Lightning, fire, and explosions. Symbolism in the Modern World: She is traditionally venerated as the patron saint of artillerymen, miners, military engineers, and architects. Due to her association with explosions, storms, and her symbolic three-windowed tower. This piece is not just a work of art; it is a devotional object that embodies faith, history, and a rich New Mexican artistic tradition. A rare and valuable addition for any collector of religious art or New Mexican folk art.
