18th-century Mexican School Oil Miniature On Copper With A Bronze Frame

18TH-CENTURY MEXICAN SCHOOL OIL MINIATURE ON COPPERWITH A BRONZE FRAME
Dimensions:8.5 cm high x 7.5 cm wide
This piece features a miniature inspired byBaroque painting from New Spain, executed in oil on copper.
It depicts three saints, likelyJesuits, judging by the description of their attire and the detailing of the collars on theirrobes. Two of the figures—the one in the center and the one on the right—are carrying across, which may refer to saints of that order who sufferedmartyrdom. Their gaze turned toward the heavens, as a sign of supplication anddevotion, reflects the figure’s attitude in the face of this difficult ordeal.
The piece’s gilded frame is a later addition, likely from the19th century, adorned with classical palmettes and a narrow frieze of Greek motifsall around. It is topped by a large three-leaf scroll, with threedifferent floral terminals.
On the reverse is a small gilded plate with aninlaid piece serving as a support to keep the miniature standing upright ina display case.
This piece is an antique medallion with a miniature which,like crosses, was highly prized by the faithful in Spain and in colonialAmerica. Its common name corresponds more closely to the generic term “medallion,” which is still defined in the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academyas a piece of jewelry shaped like a small, flat case in whichportraits, paintings, or other mementos are generally placed.
The painting shows slight wear due to the passage oftime. (see photos)