On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
True Portrait of a Statue of Christ on a Cross (Verdadero retrato de talla de Cristo crucificado)
Not on view
During the colonial period it was common for paintings to represent other religious images, most often sculptures. These painted copies were generally called "portraits" or "true effigies." This sculpture of a Crucified Christ, which has not been identified, is illuminated against the dark background of a niche draped with precious brocades. The figure is nailed to a cross inlaid with tortoiseshell and decorated with scenes of Christ’s Passion. Beneath him are four silver vases filled with flowers and two silver candlesticks with lit candles, symbols of active worship.
Durante la época virreinal fueron frecuentes las pinturas que representaban otras imágenes, generalmente escultóricas. De manera amplia se consideraron "copias", "retratos" y "verdaderas efigies". Este cuadro se trata de una escultura de Jesús clavado en una cruz de carey con incrustaciones con escenas de la Pasión, decoraciones geométricas y cantoneras de plata. Es adorado y venerado en un nicho con unas riquísimas cortinas de brocado. A los pies de la imagen hay cuatro ramilletes de de plata con flores de colores, así como dos candelas encendidas en candelabros también de plata, señales de un culto activo.