Colonial School (17th-18th C.) Oil on Tin - “The Holy Trinity in Glory, ” Gilded Retablo Panel

Colonial School (Cuzco or Mexican, 17th-18th Century)

The Holy Trinity in Glory 
Oil and gilding on tin
9.75 × 6.75 in. (24.8 × 17.1 cm)

A luminous devotional painting on tin depicting the Holy Trinity—three haloed figures enthroned amid clouds and golden stars. The composition follows the distinctive “Trinidad Trono de Gracia” iconography of the Spanish Colonial world, in which the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit appear as near-identical Christ-like figures, symbolizing divine unity. Rich red and silver robes are heightened with gold flourishes against a dark celestial ground.

Such works were produced in Cuzco, Potosí, and Mexican workshops from the late 17th century onward, often for domestic or conventual altars. This example retains much of its gilding and original chromatic brilliance beneath a naturally aged surface.

Scattered flaking, oxidation, and surface accretions consistent with age; tin support stable with original mounting holes.
Importance: a fine and evocative example of colonial retablo painting on tin, embodying the fusion of Spanish Baroque devotional imagery and Andean religious art.