The Hispanic Arts Collection
The Hispanic collection at the Millicent Rogers Museum was initially made possible by Paul and Arturo Peralta Ramos.
The Spanish Colonial furniture, tinwork, Rio Grande blankets and Colchas represent the resourcefulness and endurance of Hispanic settlers.
The architecture of the original building which reflect traditional building methods, is as culturally significant as the objects on display.
Selected Pieces
Bulto – MRM 1988.029.005
"Tripod" Bulto, untitled, with 2 faces.
Patrocino Barela, ca. 1950. Taos, NM. H: 41.9 cm, W 50 cm.
Patrocino was one of Taos' most important artist of the 20th century. As a wood sculptor, he was unique in his art, which was predominately religious but outside the "Santero tradition" of Northern New Mexico.
Straw inlay Cross – MRM 1989.020.081
Black cross with straw inlay of smaller crosses; a vertical straw stripe on each arm and 4 horizontal stripes on long pieces.
Felix was awarded Master's Award for lifetime achievement by Spanish Colonial Arts Society in 2007. Artist also creates painted bultos.
Felix A. Lopez , Espanola, NM. ca. 1980. H: 60.9 cm, W: 40.9 cm.
Straw appliqué and straw inlay are described as "poor man's gold." It is a process where pieces of wheat straw were split and scraped to bring out their luster. A home-made glue consisting of pine sap was used as a gesso to treat the wood and to glue the straw to the wood.
Tinwork Cross – MRM 1989.020.091
Tin cross with old wallpaper, glass.
Angelina Delgado Martinez, ca. 1980. W 31.7 cm, H: 38 cm.
Hispanic tinwork evolved in the Southwest after 1846 when tin became readily available as a recycled material. Between 1860 and 1890, the need for tin frames, sconces, and boxes grew.