The Way of the Cross; A New Mexico Version
Santa Fe: Published by School Of American Research Publication, 1958. Large portfolio (17 by 11 1/4 inches), 35 sheets, unbound as issued, housed in a chemise of gilt paper boards with red cloth spine. Portofolio and sheet both about-Fine. Item #1346
"FEW CUSTOMS ARE MORE TYPICAL OF THE SPANISH CULTURE OF NEW MEXICO THAN ITS DEDICATION TO THE PASSION OF CHRIST"
Limited edition of this "New Mexico Version" of the Passion of Our Lord—evoking the Franciscan heritage of the Southwest. One of only 600 sets of unbound sheets—wholly calligraphed and illustrated throughout. Uncomon complete and in this exceptional condition.
The Way of the Cross is an ancient Christian devotion. Brought back to the West by pilgrims and Crusaders returning from Jerusalem, the Way of the Cross flourished in the Middle Ages, fusing the mystical contemplation of saints such as Bernard, Francis, and Bonaventure with a desire to recreate Christ's historical path to Calvary. Inspired by a Spanish Colonial Choir Book brought to the Southwest by the Friars Minor and preserved in the collection of the Museum of New Mexico collections, this edition is boldly printed in a version of Spanish Round Gothic. and illustrated in three colors with gold accents. This edition concludes with a Commentary by Reginald Fisher describing how the devotion took hold in "New Mexico's Spanish villages, [where] various folk practices and a multitude of folk-hymns, called 'alabados,' have grown up around the Passion...these alabados form a body of poetry and music enchantingly expressive of the gentleness and religious vocation of the Spanish people." The four principal alabados related to the Way of the Cross are presented here in full: 1. Mi Dios y Mi Redentor (My God and My Redeemer), 2. Padre Jesus Nazareno (Father Jesus the Nazarene), 3. Considera Alma Perdida (Consider O Lost Soul), and 4. Estaba Junto al Madero (At the Cross She Stood).
Price: $500.00