Crucifix depicting Cristo Negro (Black Christ), Late 18th Century
Mexican Religious Art
wood, gesso, foment, garment made of velvet and gold thread
23” high x 12” wide x 3.5” deep
Provenance: Collection of Rose and Cecil Quintana, Portland, OR
It is said this crucifix depicting Cristo Negro has its origin in the syncretism of Spanish and Aztec culture. The ancient Aztecs associated the color black with Tezcatlipoca, the god of heaven and earth. Some suggest that the color was used by the Spanish so the natives could associate more easily with the divinity of Jesus Christ. There are many famous crucifix depicting Cristo Negro, the two most well known in Mexico are in Valle de Bravo, another in the Church of San Roman in Campeche.
