Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial inspired, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A colorful, free-standing wood carving representing "La Cruz de las Animas" or "The Cross of Souls", this religious artwork is layered with symbolic and allegorical imagery. At the center is Christ on the cross, flanked by the sun (left) and moon (right). Along the bottom are twelve animas solas (meaning lonesome departed ancestral souls). All are hoping for salvation while awaiting judgement amidst the flames of purgatory. Beneath the Crucifixion is an image of Adam and Eve beside the Tree of Knowledge bearing apples with the serpent winding around the trunk, and just beneath this is the Mater Dolorosa grieving for her Son, followed by St. Michael the Archangel with a balance to weigh and judge the souls below. A wonderful example of religious art representing a subject that was a popular cult of devotion throughout Mexico during the 19th century. Size: 10.875" W x 16.125" H (27.6 cm x 41 cm)

Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired thirty years ago

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#121988

Loss to upper section, as shown. Surface wear with some fading to paint. Nice craquelure to painted imagery.