Cross of Lamentation Hand Made Religious Wood Retablo Diorama Andean Folk Art

After Christ's death on the cross, the image itself came to be venerated as one of the most important Christian symbols. Alejandro Chávez shows an empty cross, graced with a portrait of Jesus. Ladders reach to beams where ofrendas (offerings) have been placed. Figures in traditional Andean dress kneel below the cross, their eyes lifted in devout prayer. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand; the retablo receives an antique finish.

• materials: Plywood and ceramic
• Signed by the artist

9.25 in. H x 5.5 in. W x 3.3 in. D

Clean with a soft, dry cloth