Santa Maria con Cristo

This colorful 19th century Mexican folk retablo, still displayed in the original hand painted Otomi Indian frame, represents 'Santa Maria' and the 'Santo Nino' (both shown right) together with 'Our Lord of Labors' on the left. A colorful pair of Anima Sola are surrounded by a fiery pool of dancing red flames. Las animas (lonesome souls), for those unfamiliar, are departed ancestral souls awaiting judgement in the flames of purgatory.

This unique style of retablo painting -- two dimensional figures together with the omnipresent anima sola, and a multi-colored hand painted wood frame, can be linked directly to the Otomi people of Queretaro. This particular Otomi retablo painting is rich with color and character -- unquestionably, the best example we have handled. 

** See similar retablo painting with similar frame in 'Saints and Sinners. Both retablos, together with their original frames, clearly painted by the same hand. 

Dimensions: framed dimensions are 13 inches horizontal x 11.75 inches vertical. Tin retablo measures 11.5 inches x 10.25 inches.

Condition: original, unrestored 

questions? Contact us at 415-578-8814 or info@colonialarts.com