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www.colonialarts.com : Mexican Retablos
Mano Poderosa
This very fine 19th century retablo represents "La Mano Poderosa," or "The Powerful Hand" - also sometimes referred to as "Los Cinco Personas," a reference to the Extended Holy Family in the upper quadrant. The five figures at the top represent Anne, Mary, Baby Jesus, Joseph and Joachim. In the lower quadrant, blood is flowing from the stigmata into an open gold chalice which is received by the seven sacrificial lambs below. An all around great 19th century folk retablo with layers of symbolic imagery and allegory throughout! Dimensions: 14 inches x 10 inches.

San Camilo de Lelis

This rare 19th century folk retablo depicts "San Camilo de Lelis," often referred to as the "Red Cross Saint." San Camilo, patron saint of the sick and nurses, is almost always depicted as he is here, ministering at the hour of death. In almost every example of this subject, San Camilo is shown with small devils and angels, each said to be competing for the dyeing man's departing soul. 10 inches x 7 inches.