Saint Rita of Cascia (Santa Rita de Cascia)

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

Painted in New Mexico, this small religious scene, or retablo, was meant for private devotion in a chapel or home. Retablos typically depict saints, angels, or the Virgin Mary. This retablo depicts Saint Rita of Cascia, who became an Augustinian nun after the death of her husband and sons. She is seen here wearing the black habit of the Augustinian order and holding several identifying attributes: the crucifix and skull both represent penance, and the whip would have been used for practicing mortification of the flesh. The cypress trees on either side of her, representing her two sons, are early pagan and Christian symbols for death.

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