Cristo

Media - 1996.91.42 - SAAM-1996.91.42_1 - 62037
Copied Espada Family, Cristo, late 18th-early 19th century, carved and painted wood, 4020 1415 12 in. (101.651.539.4 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection, 1996.91.42
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Cristo
Artist
Attributed to Espada Family
Date
late 18th-early 19th century
Dimensions
4020 1415 12 in. (101.651.539.4 cm.)
Credit Line
Teodoro Vidal Collection
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved and painted wood
Classifications
Keywords
  • Religion — New Testament — Christ
Object Number
1996.91.42

Artwork Description

In a museum installation, behind glass, these religious figures and santos are not as physically accessible as they were for worshipers in their churches or home altars. The sights, sounds, and smells surrounding this devotional image of Christ in its original context are now left to the imagination. A closer look at this figure provides a glimpse into its ritual function: rings of melted wax are visible on the base from the candles that were lit in prayer.