Mexican Retablo La Sagrada Familia (the Holy) - Dec 05, 2014 | Artemis Gallery In Co
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Mexican Retablo La Sagrada Familia (The Holy)

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Mexican Retablo La Sagrada Familia (The Holy)
Mexican Retablo La Sagrada Familia (The Holy)
Item Details
Description
Mexico, 19th century. This Mexican retablo features a beautiful rendition of the La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) theme. The Mexicans revered the saintly family as an ideal to which they aspired. The subject is not based on scripture, but rather was the vision of the Franciscan meditation inspired by the Counter-Reformation. The visual interpretation has its roots in the esteemed Spanish artist Bartolome Esteban Murillo’s infamous painting of the subject (The Holy Family also known as the Virgin of Seville, 1665-1670). In accordance with this prototype, Christ is shown as a young child walking between his parents, who both gaze upon him with adoration. Mary wears a red gown with a blue mantle, while Joseph is traditionally dressed in green and yellow and carries the blossoming staff. Unlike the Murillo painting, God the Father rarely appears in retablos. Instead, a dove, the symbol of the Holy Ghost, hovers over the Christ Child, centered over the family. The artistry of this retablo reveals several influences. First off, the draftsmanship belies the Mexican folk art penchant for almost pantomime-like gestures. Akin to Byzantine mosaics, the figures virtually float and seem to be placed before a backdrop of sorts. On the other hand, if one looks closely at the figures’ hands and faces, it becomes evident that the artist did have some knowledge of anatomy and more sophisticated painting techniques such as modeling and chiaroscuro. The composition has a pleasing symmetry and balanced rhythm. Although classic linear perspective is somewhat lacking, the artist did understand atmospheric or aerial perspective quite well. Note how depth is visually communicated by the haze in the distant atmosphere, how objects that are closer to the viewer appear more clearly defined, while those in the distance are more difficult to delineate. Overall, this is a poignant and skillfully rendered example of a La Sagrada Familia retablo with rich light and dark color contrasts in the costumes and an interesting play of diagonals, especially when one studies the gestures of the three figures. While the format may have been inspired by a European painting or print, the artist made the composition his own by executing solid design and creating a palpable mood. 14"H x 10"W

Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelley private collection. Mr. Kelly is an accomplished Denver artist.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. 10.00"W x 14.00"H (25.40 W x 35.56 H cm)

Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelly collection, Denver.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
Condition
Some surface wear as shown. Two holes at top for suspension. Else intact and good condition.
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Mexican Retablo La Sagrada Familia (The Holy)

Estimate $300 - $500
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Starting Price $175
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