Latin America, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A fine tin retablo depicting the Holy Trinity. Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints (retablo literally means "behind the altar"). The retablo became wildly popular in the 19th century due to the introduction of tin as an affordable medium. This example depicts God the Father seated at center, a sun icon on his chest, holding a scepter in his left hand, invoking a blessing with his right. He is dressed in white, symbolizing purity, faith, and light. Seated at His right side is God the Son, identified by the stylized lamb on his chest, wearing a blue robe to represent heaven and divine love. Seated on the opposite side is the Holy Spirit, clothed in red to indicate baptism by fire, with a dove on his chest. All three are crowned by halos with beams of light radiating outward and sit on clouds with their feet resting on the orb of the earth. Size of retablo: 8.5" W x 11.6" H (21.6 cm x 29.5 cm); of frame: 15.9" W x 19" H (40.4 cm x 48.3 cm)

Provenance: ex-old private Ohio, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex-private central Florida, USA collection, 1970s

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#178875

Some light bending to metal sheet, but otherwise intact and very nice with good remaining pigments and rich patina. Fit in modern matte and frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Slight gap between matte and frame at top.