Latin America, Mexico, Neo-Baroque, ca. late 19th century CE. A large hand carved and hand painted wooden altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary whose sculptural rendering resides within the arched niche. The altar displays all the characteristics of the Baroque Revival or Neo-Baroque style of the late 19th century - a style influenced by the important elements of the 17th to 18th century Baroque period. Notice how the artisan framed the niche with carved flowing draperies and elaborately detailed columns and arches, all of which were once painted in hues of green, red, and white, the remains of which we can still see. Though this piece was used in a sacred space in the home for prayer and reflection, it spares no end of drama and opulence as is typical of the Baroque style! The sculpture of the Holy Virgin is finely carved and polychromed. She is depicted standing with hands pressed palm to palm in prayer, wears a golden hued tin crown, her traditional blue mantle adorned with golden stars, and red and silver robes that are further embellished with a repeated floral pattern. Meticulous workmanship was invested in the modeling and delineation of her facial features. Note the natural rendering of her brows that contrast with the otherworldly, almost incorporeal properties of her wide and meticulously lashed eyes (which appear to be inlaid with shell). She conjures an ethereal presence worthy of the altar's surround. A magnificent example of superb artistry! Size: 29.5" W x 42" H (74.9 cm x 106.7 cm).

The Mexican home altar tradition is centuries old according to scholars, dating back to the indigenous cultures such as the Toltec and the Maya who built altars honoring their respective deities. After European contact, Christianity spread throughout the New World and home altars were created by the pious as a physical and spiritual expression of the faithfuls' relationship to the Catholic spiritual pantheon. In Mexico, altars traditionally have been created as one time shrines for occasions such as Dia de los Muertos or as ongoing manifestations of religious spirituality as we see with this example.

Provenance: Ex-T. Jones private collection, NYC, NY.

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