Small 19th Century Mexican Religious Painting of Saint, Antique Catholic Retablo of Santo

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This small "retablo" or religious painting on wood is from Mexico, and is from the 19th Century. Religious art of "New Spain," or Spanish Colonial Mexico, came to the region in the late sixteenth century and represented in many cases reproductions, sometimes from memory, old European art forms. The art was devotional, meaning the pieces were used in churches, but also for home altars, as the settlements were often isolated. The santos (saints) made in two-dimensional form were known as retablos, and were often painted on wood but also metal and canvas. This small retablo depicts a bearded saint wearing a flowing red (now more orange from age) sash. He carries what appears to be a palm leaf. In the other hand is a book or possibly the Bible, held at arm's length. Notice that the truncation of the arm looks like it's coming from way down near what would be the saint's knee. These pieces were not done by fine artists as they would have been back in Spain; instead, the painter may have been someone very religious, possibly although not necessarily considered a good artist. In that respect, retablos in Spanish Colonial Mexico were considered a form of folk art. The piece is incredibly charming, and the small size makes it even more so.

Measures 5" wide by 7" tall by about 3/8" thick. The wood is lightweight and somewhat warped. There is a great deal of wear to the painting, and especially along the bottom edge where the paint has worn away. I believe it was set up in a wood stand against which it rubbed over time, wearing away that entire bottom edge and going upward in a jagged pattern. There are also spots throughout were the paint rubbed off. The piece could have been stored under something for many years, decades and decades, causing the paint to come off. It could also have come off through touch. Small hole at top for twine or wire to hang.

A small piece of a big faith.

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Please convo with questions, or call (505) 369-6865. Will return your call as soon as possible.

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For more saints and spirits: https://romaarellano.com/shop/17770597/saints-santos-spirit
And hacienda decor: https://romaarellano.com/shop/6877927/hacienda-taos-mexico
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