Leo “Del” Salazar Hand-Carved Cedar Bulto Folk Art St. Jude Taos NM

Signed on bottom “Del Salazar Box 33 Taos NM 77 St. Jude”. A striking hand-carved cedar bulto of San Judas Tadeo (St. Jude), patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations, signed by New Mexico folk artist Leo “Del” Salazar. Carved from a single piece of aromatic cedar, the figure displays the beautiful natural grain of the wood throughout, unfinished and unpainted, allowing the material itself to speak. The saint is depicted in traditional iconography: long robes, full beard, and holding a staff and wearing the medallion of Christ, all classic attributes associated with St. Jude in New Mexican santos tradition. The carving style is boldly expressive, with simplified, powerful facial features characteristic of the regional bulto tradition. 19.25″x4.5″x6″ 6 lbs. See pictures for condition details as the photos are considered part of the description.