Barela Wood Carving of a Scholar [R]

There is some question regarding the birth date of Patrociñio Barela.  The Harwood Museum of Taos published his date of birth as 1900 but he stated "I was born in 1908 in Bisbee, Arizona," so we are using that date.  He started his carving career in Taos, NM.  He was hired by the Works Progress Administration working with a horse and cart. His carvings were spotted and he was set to do those instead, eventually as part of the Public Works of Art Project. This was in 1935 and eventually his work was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art. He was lauded by the museum as "the most dramatic discovery" and he was called "discovery of the year" by Time magazine.

He was often called a primitive wood sculptor and is best known for his figures carved from a single piece of wood.  Many of his carvings were religious depictions although he did carve a number of secular items.

He was a prolific carver, but one who was self-taught.  He had no formal art training but was viewed as an artist of the highest praise.  He was not a rich man but chose to do his work and stay at home in his modest surroundings.  He lived in the small New Mexico village of Cañon, near Taos.  He died tragically in a fire in his studio in 1964 at the age of 56.

Many of his carvings remain a mystery as to what the artist had in mind when carving it, but this one seems to be defined.  This has been identified as a scholar with a hat with a tassel on his head (mortar board).  It appears that the wood of his choice was cedar and this is probably carved from cedar.   The carving is signed Pat Barela $15 on the underside.  Barela was not an educated man and many of his carvings were not signed.  It is not known whether he placed his name on the carving or someone else did it for him.  There is no question that it is the work of Barela.

Condition:  The front portion of the hat broke off and has been glued back in place with a small chip of wood missing.

Provenance:  An art appraisal by Taos Art Appraisal, Bareiss Gallery, in 2002 provided the following information.  The carving was a gift from the artist to Otto Noeding, owner of Bent Gallery of Taos.  It estimated the date of the carving to be 1950s and the value to be $2500.  The carving passed from Mr. Noeding to his daughter, Jane Noeding, from whom it now comes.  The appraiser states the figure is titled Scholar and that he wears a hat, is dressed in a robe and carries an object in his right hand.

Recommended Reading: Spirit Ascendant: The Art and Life of Patrocino Barela by Edward Gonzales