This to my sensibilities is a dream of a retablo, a very folky depiction of Las Cruz de Animas, or the Cross of Souls, representing Christ on the cross along with a group of animas sola below--lonely souls surrounded by flames who are trapped in purgatory--requiring the prayers of the living as well as the assistance of divine to release them to heaven. And this depiction is packed with both all of the (very excellent) usual symbols and then some, as well as the names of what looks to be twelve specific individuals (corresponding to the twelve enflamed figures) whose souls were being prayed for: members of the Hernandes, Mariano, Martinez and Recendis families. With God the Father/Holy Spirit at top center; Adam and Eve and the snake top left; sun and (red, sun-like) moon and stars on the cross; a wonderful array of "instruments of the passion" (sword, whip, ladder, etc.) as well as dice, pitcher, bird, money bag and I'm not sure what all; plus death personified as skeleton with scythe standing over a figure in bed. And with each of the anima looking very much like a specific portrait. Marvelous. And if there were ever a retablo subject that felt timely, a depiction of souls trapped and suffering in purgatory would, I'd say, be it.
9 3/4" x 6 13/16" On tin. Early 20th century I would guess. General wear, aging, rusting and craquelure to the paint as evident, all to the good in my opinion.