Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1930 CE. This colorful Mexican retablo represents \'La Cruz de Animas\' or \'The Cross of Souls\' painted in oil on tin. Layered with symbolic and allegorical imagery, the Cross of Souls represents Christ on the cross, flanked by the sun and moon and surmounted by the Eternal Father above. Along the bottom eleven animas solas (lonesome departed ancestral souls) plead for salvation while awaiting judgement in the flames of purgatory. This form was particular to the Otomi culture from around the state of Queretaro, and acted as a reminder to pray for the safekeeping of the souls of departed ancestors (pictured at bottom), as well as oneself. In accordance with tradition, it contains symbols from the Passion of Christ, with God the Father at the top, the Holy Spirit, and Christ. At the very bottom are small vignettes of Adam and Eve, the monstrance, and Death at the bed of a sick person-these images continue the themes of judgement and redemption. Interestingly, this is one of the few retablo themes that continued to be produced into the mid-20th century. Size: 14\" x 10\" (35.6 x 25.4 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA.

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#110623

Intact with fine painting and minimal surface wear. Tiny nearly invisible perforations at top end presumably for attachment at one time.