Unknown artist, Crucifix, about 1700. Caña de maíz technique (celerin wood (tzompantle), corn paste, gesso, fabric, oil paint)); 72 × 47 in. Museum exchange, 1968.192.

image height: 47 in, 119.3800 cm; image width: 40 in, 101.6000 cm; overall height: 72 in, 182.8800 cm; overall width: 47 in, 119.3800 cm; overall depth: 13 in, 33.02 cm

Mayer Center, Latin American Art

Latin American Art

This large sculpture of a crucified Christ was likely used as a processional figure in Mexico during the 1700s. The tradition of parading large holy figures through the streets on religious holidays and feast days was common in Europe and the practice continues today. In order to make these figures lightweight for portability they were sometimes crafted of wood pastes and paper. This European artistic technique was imported to New Spain and merged with an existing pre-Hispanic tradition of crafting ritual deities out of corn paste and other organic materials. The artist utilized celerin wood, corn paste, gesso, fabric and oil paint to create the work we see here.
--Julie Wilson Frick, 2015

Private collection, Morelia, Mexico; Private dealer, Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico; Rosamalia Gonzalez, Guanajuato, Mexico; Clarence Huff [1888-1952], Denver, CO; Consigned to (Rosvall Auction ), Denver, CO; Purchased by Dr. Nolie Mumey [1891-1984], Denver, CO, March 1, 1968; Purchased by (May-D&F), Denver, CO (part of May Department Stores Company), St. Louis, MO., by 1968; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, March 1968

• “ReVision: Art in the Americas” — Denver Art Museum, 10/24/2021 – 7/17/2022
• ReVision: Art in the Americas, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN, 7/1/23 - 9/17/23