Other art
HOLY PICTURES
Pocket size representations of the saints were popular with devotees since the invention of the printing press. San Gaetano is represented in antique prints and etchings of this kind, often accompanied with prayers for intercession in Latin, German, Italian or Spanish. In more modern versions, the prayers are more often than not, at the back and can be found in diverse local languages. Some of the later holy pictures show photos of paintings or statues of San Gaetano popular with local devotees. Here is a selection of antique holy pictures and more modern ones. In this section I am also showing 5 sets of holy pictures in the collection belonging to my friend Ian Pintley.
DEVOTIONAL MEDALS
As with Holy Pictures, small medallions are popular as carry on items with devotees. San Gaetano is represented in this category either by himself or with other Saints. The front of a medallion usually carries the embossed whole figure of the Saint, his bust or his face and the back has an emblem or still another saint. Some are made in Gold, bronze or simply aluminum. One can recognize the difference between antiques and more modern items.
18th Century Bronze
1671: Canonization five saints S.Lvdo / Jude Thaddeus / Rose-de-Lima / Fr de Borgia / Ph-Benizi / Gaëtan de Thiene.
16th / 17th century: Virgin seated with Jesus on her knees. Obverse – St Cajetan Holding Jesus.
17th Century: S.G. with S.Francis Borgia and S.Philip
18th Century
18th Century Bronze
1671
18th Century
Italian Bronze
RELICS
Even though these items are holy relics, that is tiny parts of the belongings of or something that touched the belongings of San Gaetano in our case, the sellers dispose of them as works of art. Many of these items are in themselves antiques, made in past centuries for devotees of the Saint.
STAINED GLASS
Very few antique stained glass pieces exist of San Gaetano that were specially made for churches or cathedrals. More modern items of this art can be found especially in South America where devotion to our Saint is more robust. Smaller pieces are also made for the consumer and devotee.
Semi circular stained glass depicting San Gaetano holding Jesus, and an angel. This piece of art was on sale online.
Made for a church in N America, a stained glass full size effigy of San Cayetano with Baby Jesus.
PLAQUE
At Sotheby’s Auction house, representing Saint Cajetan of Thiene, probably German from around 1700
TILES
Unknown location or author in Portuguese style. The picture of San Cayetano with Baby Jesus done on a set of tiles and framed.
STATUES
Of course like with other saints, statues of San Gaetano abound in churches all over the world. Statues are also items bought for personal devotion, so we find them made especially where San Gaetano is revered most in places like Argentina and Spain. Older items are sold even online as antique or collector pieces.
19th Century Portuguese: Sao Caetano de Thiene by the Baiana School. Polychrome and gilt statue with glass eyes.
Late 20th century: Bronze statue of St Cajetan on wooden background by Huberto Maestas of San Luis for the San Cayetano church in Denver.
Neapolitan middle of the 18th Century: Polichrome wooden statue of San Gaetano.
South American:
Northern Italy:
Unknown material: WOOD XVIII-XIX 20x44cm
Los Artesanos: From South America: At least 7 different styles of San Cayetano with Baby Jesus.
Malta: Hobby club in Hamrun whose members are interested in making Models of churches, statues and paraphernalia connected to the church. Various sizes of San Gejtanu statues.
Malta: Well made Spanish statues of San Gejtanu are usually on sale in shops especially in Hamrun around the time of the feast of the Saint.
