Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History

Explore Puerto Rico’s history, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, through the eyes of collector Teodoro Vidal. Vidal captured the island’s history by collecting thousands of objects. Over 80 artifacts are featured here.

This figure of St.
Description
This figure of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ and husband of Mary, dates from the 19th century and was made by a member or associate of the Espada family in the town of San Germán.
Description (Spanish)
Esta figura de San José, padre terrenal de Jesucristo y esposo de María, data del siglo XIX y ha sido tallada por un miembro o asociado de los Espada, familia que vivió y trabajó en el pueblo de San Germán.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Espada Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0741
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0741
This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century.
Description
This large santo depicts St. John Nepomucene, a 14th-century martyr who is considered by Catholics to be the patron saint of confession. His image was widely circulated by Jesuits throughout the Spanish empire in the 18th century. The Church promoted devotion to this saint since it encouraged Catholics to confess their sins in the presence of a priest, a ritual known as the Sacrament of Penance. This santo is believed to be the work of Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Description (Spanish)
Este santo de gran tamaño representa a San Juan Nepomuceno, un mártir del siglo XIV a quien los católicos consideran patrón de la santa confesión. Los jesuitas distribuyeron ampliamente su imagen a lo largo del imperio español durante el siglo XVIII. La iglesia fomentó la devoción a este santo por considerarlo un incentivo a que los católicos confesaran sus pecados en presencia de un sacerdote, ritual conocido como el Sacramento de la Penitencia. Se cree que este santo es obra de Felipe de la Espada (1754–1818).
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1754-1818-06-18
maker
Espada, Felipe de la
ID Number
1997.0097.0901
catalog number
1997.0097.0901
accession number
1997.0097

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