Description:

Mexico, ca. 1800-1900. A brightly painted antique Mexican retablo depicting St. Joseph and the Baby Jesus. Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints (retablo literally means "behind the altar"). The retablo became wildly popular in the 19th century due to the introduction of tin as an affordable medium. This example is especially bright with oranges and yellows against a pale blue background. St. Joseph wears a green robe painted with gold stars, and a yellow cloak. Under his cloak, he holds the Christ Child, who is dressed simply in a pink frock. The Child leans on Joseph's shoulder, and the two smile peacefully. Joseph holds a flowering staff, and wears a crown surrounded by a golden halo. The Child's halo is depicted by beams of golden light emanating from his head. 7" x 9-1/4" Provenance: ex-Kelley collection, Colorado. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art. The starting price is the lowest price at which the lot can sell.

  • Condition: Areas of loss, warping, and rust, as is typical with antique tin.

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January 24, 2014 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000