2006.37 Miguel Cabrera, Saint Gertrude (Santa Gertrudis)

Saint Gertrude the Great (1256–1301 or 1302) was a German Benedictine nun from the monastery at Helfta, near Saxony. A prolific mystic writer, she is particularly known for her Spiritual Exercises, which interpret the Seven Sacraments.  

Miguel Cabrera depicts the saint in reflection, with her writing tools to her right and a devotional book—possibly her own work—in front of her. He emphasizes the loveliness of the saint’s face, indicating the influence of the Spanish painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, who was acclaimed for the sweetness of his portrayals of the virgin and saints. Of particular importance in the composition is the image of the Sacred Heart, the symbol of Christ’s love for humanity that prompted sacrifice, redemption of sin, and mercy to sinners.  

One of the greatest 18th-century Mexican painters, Miguel Cabrera was a renowned, in-demand artist whose output was legendary: over 309 works have been documented from his large studio. He also became one of the leading instructors and sustainers of a private academy of painting in Mexico City.

Cabrera_Miguel: ULAN: 500005255

Mexico (nation): TGN: 7005560

painting (visual works): AAT: 300033618

eighteenth century: AAT: 300404512

Spanish Colonial (Spanish Renaissance-Baroque styles / styles and periods): AAT: 300107033

Murillo_Bartolomé Estebán: AAT: 500007425

Benedictine (Christian order): AAT: 300148044

devotional objects: AAT: 300234144

Helfta: TGN: 7012823

mysticism: AAT: 300055967

prayers (oral works): AAT: 300400521

reflection (action): AAT: 300179488

sacraments (religious ceremonies): AAT: 300400550

sin (religious concepts): AAT: 300309064

2004: Richard Parkman, purchased at auction, "Latin American Art," Sotheby's, New York, May 27, 2004, lot 69, as "Santa Gertrudis." [1]

2006: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Laura and Daniel D. Boeckman in honor of Dr. William Rudolph, purchase from above. 

The main source for this provenance is the letter from Gabriela Truly, of the Dallas Museum of Art, to Laura and Daniel Boeckman, dated October 31, 2006, copy located in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. Exceptions and supporting documents are noted. 

[1] See also the email from William Rudolph of the Dallas Museum of Art to Maria Bonta de la Pezuela of Sotheby's, dated October 5, 2006, copy in object file. 

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