Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A beautifully painted Mexican retablo depicting the Holy Trinity dressed in robes of rich, deep red and blue hues with golden details to enhance the majesty of the subject. The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are depicted as three identical personages in accordance with Byzantine tradition, distinguished only by the symbols on their breasts. The Father with a sun and holding a sceptor at the center; the Son at his right with a lamb (albeit somewhat difficult to decipher in this example); the Holy Ghost at his left with a dove. All three have brilliant golden triangular halos, a form that first appeared in the Renaissance, behind their heads adding an unusual touch. Their feet rest upon a blue terrestrial orb symbolizing a globe with human figures, perhaps signifying their dominion over the universe. 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. Size: 13-5/8" x 9-1/4" (34.6 x 23.5 cm); framed 15-3/4" x 11-3/8" (40 x 28.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex-private T. Jones collection acquired in El Paso, TX before 2000.

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#110631

Intact retablo and frame. Normal surface wear to retablo. Small area of paint loss to frame.