retablos

Led to Bethlehem by a star in the east, the Three Kings bring precious gifts to the Christ Child. Mary and Joseph stand on either side as a cow and donkey kneel beside the manger. This colorful box depicts the Epiphany from the Christmas story in the Gospel of Matthew. Alejandro Chávez crafts a traditional Ayacucho-style retablo, a diorama housed in a colorful wood box. The images are modeled of ceramic and painted by hand, and the box closes with a leather latch.

A vibrant ensemble of Peruvian custom, this traditional retablo is transformed into an exceptional picture frame by Alejandro Chávez. Retablos originally featured religious passages and now Chavez uses this art form to showcase Peruvian traditions as in the lower panel he recreates the colorful revelry of an Andean feast. The side panels flanking the photograph depict quotidian scenes and the upper panel stages the collection of the tuna, a fruit of enticing flavor that grows on the prickly pear cactus. Chavez handcrafts this piece from wood and fills it with myriad personages well defined and detailed.

The Virgin of Guadalupe blesses the hearts of those who live by hope, becoming the muse of artisan Alejandro Chavez. The Andean artist uses ceramic to portray the serene image of the saint in this wood retablo—later painted in bright hues that add joy and tenderness.

Saint of those who transform their faith into beautiful creations, Rose of Lima adds her benevolent spirit to this wood retablo—crafted by Alejandro Chavez of Peru. The artist uses ceramic to portray the saint's fair visage, hand-painted in bright hues that bring each element to life.

The birth of baby Jesus united each corner of the world in a serene moment where only love reigned. Captured for eternity, that scene remains alive in this wood nativity retablo by Peruvian artisan Alejandro Chavez. Hand-painted floral details and ceramic figures compose this tender creation, infused with an aura of peace.