Art and Faith in Mexico: The Nineteenth-Century Retablo Tradition (Paperback)

~ Elizabeth Netto Calil Zarur (Editor), Charles Muir Lovell (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The tin retablo, or sacred painting on tin, combines Mexican and European influences to create a vital and unique art form that flourished in Mexico during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, years of political turmoil that saw some religious practice moved from the church to the home. The richly varied retablo tradition continues to the present, making this book valuable in providing a current as well as a historic understanding of Hispanic culture in Mexico and New Mexico. With over 1700 objects, New Mexico State University (NMSU) holds the largest collection of retablos of any museum in the United States. NMSU art historian Zarur and NMSU gallery director Lovell have gathered 11 eminent Latin Americanists to study this collection from the standpoint of art history, history, anthropology, folk art, and religion and bring us a new appreciation of these paintings. In addition to essays and the catalog of works, the book includes 125 beautiful color plates and 64 halftones, discussions of restoration philosophy and conservation methods, a glossary, a chronology, maps, and a comprehensive section on the art and iconography of each object. Other books have been published on the subject, but since 1975 there has been no substantive scholarly research on the extensive NMSU collection. For all regional libraries, large public libraries, academic libraries, and specialized collections in art, anthropology, religion, or Latin American studies. Sylvia Andrews, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This splendid, sumptuous book . . . is a landmark in the scholarly presentation of the retablo . . . an ambitious project . . . Ýit will certainly be accepted as the standard against which all other similar works are measured. This outstanding example of fine production values reflects, the care with which the work was prepared. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 359 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826323243
• ISBN-13: 978-0826323248
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #462,586 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book to buy!, April 27, 2001

By A Customer

I have been searching for a book such as this for years! Scholars and novices alike will not be dissapointed with this comprehensive text by Elizabeth Zarur and Charles Lovell. This exceptional publication documents an exhibit of mexican retablos and ex votos held at the New Mexico State University Art Gallery (holders of THE largest collection of retablos in the USA). The catolog raisonne provides a wealth of information on the topic, that will become an invaluable reference source. The publication however goes far beyond documenting the exhibit. Undoubtably this text will become the "bible" for chronicling and deciphering these treasures. The two editors have brought together prominent scholars on the subject who comment on the works from an interdisciplinary ( art history, anthropological, folk art, and religioious) point of view. The iconography within the retablos is clearly deciphered throughout the text in a manner that will enlighten the reader who is new to these works, and will serve as an invaluable resource to the learned hagiographer. Additional topics in the text will provide the reader with information that has not been covered in other texts on the subject, such as: insights into religious orders who influenced the visual qualities and symbolism in the artworks, conservation and care of retablos in general. Of particular interest is editor Zarur's commentary on the impact of Spanish missionization upon the indigenous people of Mexico. She presents profound insights into how the fusing of these cultures impacted and altered visual representations of the saints and cult imagery. The visual reproductions of the works are exceptional! One can feel as though they are viewing the works in person. Brushstrokes, tin surfaces, and age of the artworks are evident in the photographs. Many of the works are complemented with close up photos. If you purchase one book on Mexican religious artworks this is it. You will not be disappointed with this one!

5.0 out of 5 stars Art and Faith in Mexico, November 8, 2009

By	javafusion - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Art and Faith in Mexico: The Nineteenth-Century Retablo Tradition (Hardcover)

A definitive look into the retablo tradition in Mexico. The images are spectacular and the commentary gives us rare insights into the origins and meaning of this extraordinary practice of faith. Highly recommended.