One of two retablo paintings on tin listed today, both purchased from a favorite dealer in Maine, who spends half the year in the Southwest hunting and gathering. The subject of this 19th century, Spanish Colonial example is "La Santisima Trinidad" or The Holy Trinity, with "God the Father" in white at center, two fingers raised and holding a scepter in the other hand, with an emblem of the sun on his chest; "God the Son" at left showing his stigmata (and with a bit of white in his hands likely meant to represent a lamb); and "God the Holy Spirit" at right, holding a dove. The three together, portrayed as three nearly identical young men, are meant to represent the one single divine essence--with the triangles above the heads, known as trinitarian halos or triangular nimbuses, the ultimate symbol of that inseparable, co-equal triune. Quite richly and soulfully portrayed here I think, with color very strong and the painting feels quite lush. And of course I love some sacred geometry!
7 1/8" x 5 1/16". Good antique condition, color strong and bold, with some surface wear and rust mostly around the perimeter, all to the good I think--pretty much a perfect patina I'd say.
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