El Señor de Saucito

This rare 19th-century retablo on tin represents "El Señor de Saucito," an ancient Spanish devotion to Cristo, which a devotee wished to replicate when he found a naturally shaped crucifix in a tree called a "sauz" (willow). According to popular legend, the Cristo was roughly carved but the priest thought it too grotesque, and insisted upon it being recarved by an accomplished carver if it were to survive. The Cristo was beautifully recreated, and it remains today the subject of great devotion in a small town which now is the city of San Luis Potosi. The carving still remains there today and it is of great scale, almost life-size; with small surrounding angels suspended by wire (represented in the retablo as well).

Attributed to Agustin Barajas, better known as 'The Skimpy Painter'. 

Dimensions: 10 inches vertical x 7 inches horizontal. 

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