Description:

Spanish Colonial inspired, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A finely painted retablo on copper depicting Santa Lucia, a popular saint throughout Europe who is rarely featured on Mexican retablos. Santa Lucia is shown here in the traditional manner as a young woman holding a palm leaf and a small dish with two eyes boldly looking outward. According to legend, Saint Lucia plucked out her eyes to relieve the suffering they caused a suitor of hers. However, it is more plausible that her name Lucia (light) inspired that depiction of eyes, as this symbol is interpreted as a lantern in European art. Saint Lucy is usually called upon to combat blindness; however in Mexico, the Archangel Raphael is usually favored for this purpose, making this example quite unusual. Size: 8.625" L x 6.75" W (21.9 cm x 17.1 cm)

Beyond this iconography, the painting demonstrates the artist's great skill in creating a naturalistic rendering of the subject's face and hands as well as modeling the figure and her drapery. In addition, the landscape scene provides wonderful depth to the composition. A special piece honoring Saint Lucy who was martyred for her Christian beliefs.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#122447

  • Condition: Perforation at bottom, expected surface wear with areas of oxidation and pigment loss commensurate with age, some black tape on verso. Some wear and loss to frame as shown.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

May 18, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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