Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A colorful Mexican retablo representing "La Cruz de Animas" (Cross of Souls) painted on heavy gauge tin, depicting Christ on the Cross, flanked by the sun and moon and various instruments of the Passion and surmounted by the Holy Ghost and the Eternal Father above. At the bottom are 12 animas solas (lonesome departed ancestral souls) pleading for salvation while awaiting judgement in the flames of purgatory. These souls surround small vignettes of Adam and Eve, St. Michael the Archangel with his scales of justice, and the effigy of Death at the bed of an ill person - all images that continued the themes of judgement and redemption. 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 as well as oneself. Size: 13.75" L x 9.25" W (34.9 cm x 23.5 cm)

Provenance: private Omer Claiborne collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired over the last 40 years

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#129244

Four perforations, one at each corner. Expected oxidation on the verso. Minor surface wear, but painting is quite vivid and skillfully executed.