El Senor de Saucito

This rare 19th century retablo on tin represents  'N.S. del Saucito', an ancient Spanish devotion to Christ which a devotee wished to replicate when he found a naturally shaped crucifix in a tree called a 'sauz' (willow). According to popular legend, the Cristo was roughly carved, and the priest, finding it too grotesque, required that it be recreated by an accomplished carver if it was to survive. The Cristo was beautifully reincarnated, and it remains today the subject of great devotion in a small town which now is the city of San Luis Potosi. The carving still remains there today and it is of great scale, almost life-size; with four small surrounding angels suspended by wire.

Attributed to the 'Master of the Saucito', his unique style is unmistakable. 

Dimensions: 13 inches vertical x 9 inches horizontal.