Lot 224
Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial period, ca. 19th century CE. A finely-painted tin retablo featuring an endearing depiction of Saint Anthony of Padua - San Antonio de Padua - holding the Christ Child. The tradition of this image stems from the story of Count Tiso of Padua, who witnessed St. Anthony communing with Jesus in child form while praying in his home. Here, Anthony is shown in the blue robes that were adopted by Spanish Franciscans of the time as a symbol of their devotion to the Virgin Mother, as well as a monk's tonsure. He grasps a stalk of lilies while cradling the Christ Child, who holds a wooden cross in one hand. Fine modeling of the forms departs from the more typical "flat" folk painting style. Nevertheless, the piece still retains the charm and many of the qualities that we appreciate in Mexican Folk Art - with its simple sometimes awkward forms that take on such life and meaning via the employment of vivid colors and expressions. Size: 10" W x 14" H (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm)
St. Antonio was born in Portugal in 1195 and died in 1232 at the age of 36; hence this theme dates to the Counter-Reformation. He became a Franciscan monk, trained by St. Francis himself. Like St. Francis, St. Antonio became known for his miracles. San Antonio is also known as the finder of lost objects and animals. As the story goes, a novice once borrowed his prayer book without asking permission but then returned it after witnessing a fear-inducing apparition. This is how St. Antonio came to be the patron of lost objects. According to legend, the keeper of the house where St. Anthony was residing noticed light radiating from under the door of the Saint's room. He then peered through the keyhole, and lo and behold, the source of light was the holy Child seated in the saint's arms.
Provenance: private Oglesby, Illinois, USA collection, acquired from Kania-Ferrin Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#184315
- Condition: Small chips to lower corners and some light bending to upper corners and periphery, none affecting imagery. Some nicks and small chips to paint, but otherwise intact and excellent with nice colors and detail. Perforations to edges from previous display.
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