Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - About the Collection
In 1992, curator Marvette Pérez contacted Puerto Rican collector Teodoro Vidal Santoni after learning that he was interested in donating his extensive collection of Puerto Rican material culture. In 1997, after several visits and conversations over the course of five years, Mr. Vidal agreed to donate his entire collection to the National Museum of American History. This became one of the largest gifts by an individual to the Museum. One of the most important collections of Puerto Rican material culture in the world, it consists of more than 3,200 objects which date from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
"Teodoro Vidal Collection of Puerto Rican History - About the Collection" showing 2 items.
San José
- 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.
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
San Juan Nepomuceno
- 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).
- 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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center