Roberto Cardinale (American), San Anonimus De NM

1997, polychrome painted pine and metal, inscribed signature and date with title to the platform profile, electrified to the interior for illuminated display.

15 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 17 1/4 in.

The church form speaks to Roberto’s love of ecclesiastical architecture and springs from his monastic background and southwestern travels. The churches, built of pine and richly painted, are about 12" wide and 16" high and vary in length. He began making his churches in 1985 and spends between 60-90 actual work hours on each piece. The works are sculpture rather than models which strive to capture the spirit, age, and beauty of each church, whether real or imagined. He has made well over 500 unique pieces and focuses on the churches and synagogues in New Mexico, Texas, California, Mexico and many from Italy, France, Spain, and England.

His work is in the permanent collections of The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Albuquerque, NM, The Sangre de Cristo Center for the Arts, Pueblo, CO, The Harwood Museum of Art, Taos, NM, The Billy Graham Museum of Art, Wheaton, IL, The Benedictine Museum of Art, Lyle, IL, and The Museum of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM.


Roberto’s art work has been represented by Patina Gallery and Tansey Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM and by Leslie Levy Fine Art in Scottsdale, AZ, and is currently represented by The Marshall Gallery in Scottsdale.

Cross to spire tip is detached but present, otherwise good condition.