It is the rich, radiant blue ground and especially the three very excellent lambs--two to the right and one around his neck--that really sold me on this antique retablo--total charmers! The depiction portrays Jesus as the good shepherd, a metaphor for his role as a leader, protector, and savior of his "flock"--with the caption at lower right reading "divino pastor," I believe. I also really like the look on his face, which together with the cock of his head, reads as knowing, a bit come-hither, and a bit coy. A Mona Lisa-esque eyes-following-you-wherever-you-go aspect to that gaze, too. Nice.
14" x 10" and in very good antique condition, 19th c. I believe. Some bends to the tin at the corners and rusting to the reverse, as evident, all to the good I think.
You might also like
