Latin America, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A somewhat macabre antique Mexican retablo meant to illustrate the cleansing power of Christ's blood known as "La Mano Poderosa de Dios" or "The Powerful Hand of God." This example depicts the bleeding hand of the crucified Christ, the blood pouring down into an overflowing chalice with 6 lambs drinking from the resulting fountain. The animals are surrounded by Instruments of the Passion or Arma Cristi, such as a spear, a rooster, a hammer, pincers, nails, a reed, a sponge on a pole, and a pillar. Above the hand, the 5 members of the Holy Family are seated on individual clouds: The Virgin Mary, and her mother, St. Anne, holding flowering staffs with lilies, the Christ Child seated on a globus cruciger, St. Joseph holding a flowering staff with roses, and St. Joachim holding an ordinary staff. Size: 10.1" W x 14" H (25.7 cm x 35.6 cm)

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.

Provenance: private Oglesby, Illinois, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s from various Western US auction galleries

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#184314

Minor folding to corners with some light bending in areas, but none affecting imagery. Some surface wear as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining pigments and light patina. Leather suspension loop at top for display.