A Beautiful and Fine Wood Sacristy or Minature Shrine

Mexico (New Spain)?

18th to early 19th century | Wood, Glass | Item 2336

This is a beautiful and intricate sacristy, or nicho or reliquary. The carving is complex and impressive. Glass covers three sides with a door panel on the back. This panel is painted on the interior with red designs on top of a gessoed surface. The red designs are complex and appear like a Renaissance image. The exterior top has two, round pictures. The top one is a print and shows an image of Madonna and Childs in an ideal setting. The lower framed circle is a painting of a woman saint? She has a flower in each hand. This small painting has the look of early, religious Mexican art.

The provenance also suggests Mexico (or New Spain) as the origin. A note that came with the box states the following: Purchased by Antique shop owners the Jameson’s in Minneapolis, MI from Parson Jim Oarson in the 1930’s. Jim Oarson acquired it “prison cell from Antonio scheduled to be shot – member of Poncho Villa’s forces.” The mortis and tenon construction may also suggest New Spain as the origins.

Price
$2450
Dimensions 18.5" tall, 13.5" wide, 6.5" deep
Condition Very good with no restoration
Provenance Purchased from Jim Parson in the 1930s by the owners parents in Minneapolis, MI. A note attached states;Del Rio - Sacristy Mt. McGregor Parson Jim Oarson - 30's - Prison cell from Antonio scheduled to be shot - a member of Poncho Villas' forces"
Sacristy, or Nicho, or Reliquary to hold religious items, 18th to early 19th century, likely Mexican