Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 1800 to 1900 CE. A finely painted oil on heavy gauge tin Mexican retablo depicting the Holy Family. The Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia) is depicted with Jesus as a young boy walking between his parents who sweetly gaze upon him. Mary is dressed in her traditional red gown with blue mantle; the Child is dressed in blue with green trim; Joseph dons his colors of green and yellow, and is carrying a blossoming staff. The Parents grasp the Child's arms on either side, and his outstretched arms subtly foreshadow the Crucifixion. A delicate dove in the azure skies hovers directly above the Child and radiates light toward him. The style of the painting demonstrate some knowledge of anatomy and solid techniques on the part of the artist. Beautiful, balanced composition depicting a traditional and iconographically rich depiction of La Sagrada Familia. Custom red and gold hued wooden frame wired for suspension. Size: retablo itself measures approximately 13-1/2" x 9-1/2" (34.3 x 24.1 cm); framed 18-3/8" x 14-3/8" (46.7 x 36.5 cm)

Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints (retablo literally means "behind the altar"). The retablo became quite popular in the 19th century due to the introduction of tin as an affordable medium.

Provenance: Ex-private T. Jones collection, New York, NY.

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#110642

Retablo and frame intact. Minor surface scratches. Overall excellent.