SOLD. ‘Crucifixion of Christ’ Mexican Vintage Retablo
‘Crucifixion of Christ’ Mexican Vintage Tin Metal Retablo. Framed in blood red finish wood frame. Acquired in vintage shop in Mexico. Hand laid folded paper patterns along with glitter cloth trim and small colr bows. Measures 13.5 width x 17.5 height x 2.5 inches deep. One-of-a-kind custom piece, possibly made for a religious family or even a church. Have seen similar in small family run businesses, along with shrine and candles. The retable is approx. 50 years old, and the detail added, including frame is more recent, but still approx. 20 years old, based on the info by the dealer who sold it to me.
A retablo is a devotional painting, especially a small popular or folk art one using iconography derived from traditional Catholic church art. More generally retablo is also the Spanish term for a retable or reredos above an altar, whether a large altarpiece painting or an elaborate wooden structure with sculptures.
MORE:
Retablos (also known as láminas) are small oil paintings inspired by traditional Catholic church art depicting Christ, the Virgin Mother, and revered Saints brought to life on tin, wood and occasionally copper. The practice of creating retablos began in Spain hundreds of years ago, and then traveled to the Americas and into Mexico where it was adopted and evolved into an important form of folk art.
Retablo were often displayed in homes of devout believers to honor their Patron Saints and were invoked to aid and remedy any number of situations.
Retablo were often displayed in homes of devout believers to honor their Patron Saints and were invoked to aid and remedy any number of situations.