James Cordova Arts

Bulto, 2001

Hand-carved wood, home-made gesso, water-based natural pigments, piñon-resin varnish.

San Gil (Atenogenes) (Saint Giles (Athenogenese))

An eight-century Benedictine hermit and abbot who impressed the French king with his impressive ascetic lifestyle and dedication to Christ. A popular story recounts Gil's association with deer—a loyal companion—who led the French king and his entourage to Gil. He is depicted either as a hermit or a bishop/abbot and stands next to a deer. In the background a church door or ladder references the monastery he founded.