Unidentified Russian artist, Quadripartite Icon with the Archangel Raphael, late 19th century, egg tempera on wood panel, 27⅛” x 22⅞”; Gift of Marie, Queen of Romania, Collection of Maryhill Museum of Art, 1926.3.46
Icon Gallery March 15–November 15, 2026
About the Exhibition
In 1926, when Queen Marie of Romania traveled to the Pacific Northwest to dedicate Maryhill Museum of Art for her friend Samuel Hill, she carried with her a variety of art objects that contributed to the foundations of the museum’s permanent collection. Included in this material were eight Russian icons. Through donation and purchases, the icon collection has since grown—and the museum’s ecclesiastical arts collection has expanded to include Catholic art from Mexico and New Mexico.
During 2026, the museum will show five Russian icons that were received from Queen Marie of Romania during her 1926 visit and a small collection of contemporary bultos and retablos that are the work of prominent New Mexican santeros (makers of religious imagery).
One of these santeros, Charles M. Carrillo, will host an artist talk at Maryhill Museum of Art on Saturday, October 17 to share his experiences saint-making in New Mexico and his own personal practice. He will paint a retablo and bring examples of other New Mexican retablos for visitors to see and handle.
