Mexico, last half of the 19th century. A hand painted Mano Poderosa or Los Cinco Personas retablo depicting five figures perched at the tips of a detached hand who represent the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and Mary's Parent's Ann and Joaquin. The upward pointing almighty hand with the center wound and dripping blood represents the stigmata of Christ and the Crucifixion as well as the life of Saint Francis. A chalice catching Christ's blood with seven lambs (a holy number of Catholicism representing the seven sacraments and seven deadly sins) drinking from the chalice (a reference to the Book of Revelations) is included. The extrapolated meaning of this devotional image is one of protection and benediction. Often considered the most important and desirable of all of the various retablos themes produced in Mexico before the turn of the 20th century! Size: 10" W x 14" H (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm)

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

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#113437

Minor oxidation at perimeter. Tiny nearly invisible nick on hand. Overall excellent with vivid paint.