Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Attributed to:
Caban group, active second quarter of 19th century-first half of 20th century  Search this
Medium:
carved and painted wood with string and metal
Dimensions:
10 1/4 x 5 x 1 1/2 in. (26.1 x 12.8 x 3.7 cm.)
Type:
Sculpture
Date:
ca. 1875-1925
Luce Center Label:
The All-Powerful Hand symbolizes the wounded hand of the crucified Christ. On its fingertips are representations of the Holy Family. The infant Jesus' position on the thumb represents his importance, since much of a hand's function depends on the thumb. The Virgin sits atop the index finger followed by St. Joseph, as well as St. Anne and St. Joachim, Mary's parents. The inclusion of the extended family reflects the Latin American and Spanish regard for the family above the individual. In this santo, the red marks on the palm represent Christ's wounds. The two metal offerings in the shape of a leg and a human chest attached to the thumb were placed there by a worshiper whose ailments were healed.
Topic:
Figure group  Search this
Figure\fragment\hand  Search this
Religion\New Testament\Christ  Search this
Recreation\church\prayer  Search this
Religion\saint  Search this
Credit Line:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection
Object number:
1996.91.34
Restrictions & Rights:
CC0
See more items in:
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department:
Painting and Sculpture
On View:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2nd Floor, South Wing
Data Source:
Smithsonian American Art Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7fef2a034-70f2-4182-9726-77a93867eb24
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:saam_1996.91.34