Nuestra Señora Lamenta por Sus Niños, Victimas de Nuestra Violencia
Year 1995
Artist José Raul Esquibel (1944–2021, American)
Media wood
Dimensions 23 1/4 x 11 1/2 inches
José Raul Esquibel was born in Littleton, Colorado in 1944. He received a BA from Regis University in 1965 and an MA in Latin American Studies from Georgetown University in 1972. After retiring from a career in the federal government and wanting to reconnect with his heritage, Esquibel became a santero, a carver of wood religious icons known as “santos,” in 1992. His work was influenced by his Catholic faith and his roots in northern New Mexico. In addition to wood carving he was a historian and lecturer and gave presentations on the history and meaning of the centuries-old santos tradition. In this piece he updates tradition with current events, lamenting the violence in our modern society. The title translates to Our Lady Grieves for Her Children, Victims of Our Violence. On the back the artist inscribed, “Nuestra Señora de los Dolores con Smith and Wesson, M539 9mm eight shot auto pistol.” [Our Lady of Sorrows with Smith and Wesson, M539 9mm eight shot auto pistol.]
ON VIEW in Visitor Lounge 18
Signature Signed "par José Raul Esquibel 95" verso
Credit Line Collection Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
Accession Number 2007.0972
