Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial period, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely tin-coated iron retablo of Saint Joseph holding the Christ child, finely painted in vibrant hues and set in a tin-coated iron nicho. The retablo presents a crowned St. Joseph (San Jose) dressed in flowing green and gold vestments and tenderly cradling the infant Jesus, who holds a flower staff in his right hand. Both figures are crowned and framed by a floral border. Size: 5" W x 7" H (12.7 cm x 17.8 cm) Size: 7.5" W x 12.6" H (19 cm x 32 cm)

The cult of Joseph originated during the time of Luther when the Catholic Church was seeking out new heroes to meet the needs of the Counter Reformation. Prior to this time, Joseph was somewhat ignored. The Carmelite Order, under the direction of St. Theresa, rejuvenated the image of St. Joseph. Instead of being portrayed as an elderly man who watched over Mary, he grew to be depicted as a virile man in the prime of his life, full of youth and strength, yet portrayed as a gentle man of tenderness as we see in this example.

Provenance: ex-Asheville, North Carolina, USA collection; ex-private Colorado, USA collection

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#178121

  • Condition: Retablo pigments are consistent with 19th century, but nicho was likely repainted as pigments date to 1921 or later. Small tear to top of retablo and some chipping and loss to pigments in areas. Nicho has softening of relief detail with upper left corner folded and some light bending to overall form. Otherwise, both are excellent.

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April 6, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000