Description:

**Originally Listed At $300**

New World, Mexico or Western US, 1986. Signed and dated on verso. A wonderful folk art homage to seven souls in purgatory, hand painted on hand cut heavy gauge tin. The artist of this piece presents seven animas solas (lonesome departed ancestral souls) pleading for salvation while awaiting judgment in the flames of purgatory. This iconography of penitent and reverent souls was inspired by the 19th century Mexican tradition of "La Cruz de Animas" (Cross of Souls) which depicted ancestral souls in the flames of purgatory beneath Christ on the Cross. A wonderful piece of folk art, replete with layers of religious meaning. Size: 4.75" L x 8.375" W (12.1 cm x 21.3 cm)

The origin of Anima Sola imagery extends back to at least the Council of Trent (ca. 1545-1563), and draws on the obligation of the living to pray for souls in Purgatory. In Mexico, this theme reached its pinnacle of popularity during the 19th century, becoming the subject of a Mexican cult of devotion that was as popular as those of many saints. Mexican folk artists depicted Purgatory with burning flames that symbolized the pain of purification in preparation for entering the kingdom of Heaven.

Provenance: private Santa Barbara, California, USA collection

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#179034

  • Condition: Signed and dated on verso. Signature is difficult to decipher. Painted is imagery is very strong save minute chip to chin of rightmost figure. Flame section appears to be older than the animals solas figures. Expected age wear with oxidation at peripheries of flame section. Old heavy gauge wire suspension hook joined to piece making it easy to display.

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August 18, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
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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
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