Spanish Colonial inspired, Mexico, 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), and surmounted above by the Eternal Father. Along the bottom are eight animas solas (meaning lonesome departed ancestral souls) with four more souls staggered above. All are hoping for salvation while awaiting judgement amidst the flames of purgatory. An image of Adam and Eve beside the Tree of Knowledge bearing apples with the serpent winding around the trunk is painted above them, and just beneath Christ is the Mater Dolorosa grieving for her Son as well as 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: 8.75" W x 18.375" H (22.2 cm x 46.7 cm)

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

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#121987

Expected surface wear, weathering, and pigment loss commensurate with age.