Sunday, September 12, 2010

The Sculptured Look of Santa Fe

My husband and I like to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico, as we are interested in Native American and Spanish art and culture. We stayed at the Inn and Spa at Loretto last November, which is why there are luminarias set up on the pueblo architecture of the Inn.
This is the Palace of the Governors on the main square in Santa Fe, dating to the 1600's. Americans from the East Coast and the Midwest focus on the settlement of America from the 13 colonies, but overlook the settlement of New Mexico and California from Mexico. From this building, Spain and Mexico ruled New Mexico for longer than New Mexico has been part of the USA. One of American territorial Governors who ruled from this building in the late 1800's was Lew Wallace, who is best known as the author of Ben Hur. If you ask my husband, he will tell you all about Lew Wallace having been the Union General at the Battle of Monocacy outside of Frederick, Maryland, in 1864 during the Civil War.
Religious themes are an important element of Spanish colonial art and were an important element of the work of the missionaries who converted the indigenous population.
We had a light dusting of snow when we were in Santa Fe last November, which added a little outline to the architecture of the Inn at Loretto.
When we woke in the morning, this was the view of the hotel courtyard from our room. I liked the pattern of the flagstone walkway on which the snow did not stick when it landed on the lawn and trees.
The front entrance of the hotel leaves no doubt that you are arriving at an Inn in Santa Fe. You won't find any Chippendale or art deco furnishings in here.
The lighting of the hotel provides a warm and dramatic welcome after returning from one of the many excellent restaurants in Santa Fe.

7 comments:

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

A beautiful set of photos, I like the green glow on the building and the snow scenes are magical.

Kate said...

Yes, not only the snow scenes but the buildings themselves are magical. One of my favorite cities that I dearly love.

glenda said...

The snow seems to outline the buildings with a soft white glow. The shot of the path with gobblestones is really neat looking.

brattcat said...

such lovely shots...i particularly like the trees and path in snow.

Teuvo Vehkalahti said...

Excellent photos and blgi is pretty complex. Again showed why it is said that photo says more than a thousand words, Thank you for this experience. Come and see the pictures Teuvo www.ttvehkalahti.blogspot.com blog and leave a comment there. Thank you Teuvo Vehkalahti Suomi Finland

Unknown said...

This is why I have to visit this city! Awesome shots!

Traveling Hawk said...

I too love Santa Fe (have been there twice)and therefore I enjoyed your photos very much. The Palace of Governors empty, it's a miracle! I put myself an article about Santa Fe on my blog. For me, coming from Europe, Romania, Santa Fe and New Mexico has been a revelation. The rich Native American and Spaniard culture are enchanting. Marvellous places! Thank you for the photos.

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