Lot 636
18th C. Cristo de Caña Crucifix | Pasta de Caña | Large Scale | Colonial
18th C. Cristo de Caña Crucifix | Pasta de Caña | Large Scale | Colonial
Starting Bid: $1,500
(0 Bids)
Northern Mexico, ca. 18th century. Northern Mexico, 18th century CE. A magnificent and rare large-scale crucifix representing one of the most celebrated and uniquely Mexican of all colonial art forms — the Cristo de Caña, in which the figure of Christ is fashioned from pasta de caña, the indigenous technique of pounded corn husks and stalks worked into a lightweight paste, akin to papier-mâché, over an armature. The cross itself is fashioned from wood, with carved wooden spikes securing Christ to the cross, and shell elements adorning the tips of the cross arms. The INRI plaque is mounted at the top.
The development of pasta de caña sculpture has been credited to Don Vasco de Quiroga, the celebrated Bishop of Michoacán and renowned protector of indigenous peoples, who recognized that this indigenous technology — producing lightweight, naturalistic, and extraordinarily durable figures — was uniquely suited to the processional and devotional practices of the Spanish colonial church. The resulting Cristos de Caña became emblematic of the flowering of Indigenous Christianity in colonial Mexico, a profound synthesis of European devotional imagery and Mesoamerican artistic tradition. Size: 54”H x 36”W (137.2 x 91.4cm).
Provenance: Ex. Walter Randle, NYC. Acquired from Zena Kruzick, CA., 9/28/2021, with copy of receipt. Ex. Pamela Drake collection, ?Kensington, CA., acquired from Will Channing. Ex. Tad Dale, Santa Fe, NM.
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Item #
71407
- Condition: Overall excellent condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |