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.

In Puerto Rican religious tradition, the Virgin of Monserrat made a miraculous appearance in 1599, near the town of Hormigueros.
Description
In Puerto Rican religious tradition, the Virgin of Monserrat made a miraculous appearance in 1599, near the town of Hormigueros. Depicted in a broad range of skin tones, at times in contrast with her son Jesus Christ (missing from her lap in this example), she is one of the most frequently carved santos in Puerto Rico. Represented behind her are the jagged mountains of Catalonia, Spain, the place where the veneration of this particular Madonna originated. This figure, by a member of the Espada group of artisans, dates from the 19th century.
Description (Spanish)
Según la tradición religiosa puertorriqueña, la Virgen de Montserrate apareció milagrosamente en el año 1599 cerca del pueblo de Hormigueros. El color de su piel varía ampliamente en las distintas imágenes en las que aparece representada, a veces en contraste con su hijo Jesús (quien en este ejemplo se halla ausente de su regazo). Se trata de uno de los santos más tallados en Puerto Rico. Detrás de ella se observan las montañas angulosas de Cataluña, España, donde se originó la veneración de esta Madona en particular. Esta figura la talló en el siglo XIX un miembro del grupo de artesanos Espada.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Espada Group
ID Number
1997.0097.0648
accession number
1997.0097
catalog number
1997.0097.0648
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

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