El Sr de Esquipulas Retablo

A very rare 19th century Mexican folk retablo, El Senor de Esquipulas, also known as 'The Black Christ'. El Sr. de Esquipulas refers to the Black Christ of Esquipulas, a darkened wooden image of Jesus Christ located in the Basilica of Esquipulas in Guatemala. It is a significant Catholic pilgrimage site, often called the "Miraculous Lord of Esquipulas," and is associated with numerous miracles and cures. The original crucifix was created in 1594, and the image has darkened over time, leading to legends that it darkened to convert local indigenous people. The figure is a powerful symbol of faith in both Guatemala and Mexico, and its dark color has been a point of theological and political discussion.

Oil on tin. Mexico. Circa 1875

Dimensions: frame measures 17 inches vertical x 13 inches horizontal. Retablo measures 14 inches vertical x 10 inches horizontal.