Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. Hand-painted on heavy gauge tin, a touching depiction of the Pieta - Our Lady of Pity - depicting the Virgin Mary as Mater Dolorosa cradling her son who has been recently removed from the Cross with blood streaming from his stigmata. Mother and Child are in a natural setting, surrounded by various instruments of the passion. The dagger in Mary's breast is the main distinguishing attribute of Mater Dolorosa, referencing Luke 2:35. In this passage, Mary is told that a sword will pierce her soul upon presenting Christ to the temple. The Pieta is a common subject of Christian art, one of the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary that arose as a focus for devotion during the Middle Ages and that continues today as part of Marian worship. Mary holds her only son after he has been taken down from the Cross, lamenting his death. The retablo is mounted to a wooden frame Size: 14.25" L x 10.25" W (36.2 cm x 26 cm)

Retablos, known as "laminas" in Mexico, are oil paintings, usually on heavy-gauge tin, depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Family, the Holy Trinity, and any one of a canon of patron saints, created with an engaging blend of folk art and Baroque-inspired style deeply rooted in Spanish history. This unique tradition was introduced to Mexico by the Spaniards upon their arrival in the New World and was ultimately embraced by the indigenous population. The literal translation of the word retablo is "behind the altar," and the creation of this art form was motivated by a desire to worship a holy person or divine coterie in one's household and possess imagery that would ensure health, fertility, good fortune, and a rich harvest.

Provenance: private California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#134973

Expected surface wear with areas of oxidation as shown. A few dents at the center and nicks to the peripheries. Perforation at top center from former attachment.