76. PHILIPPINE RETABLOS

Images of saints were not only captured by Philippine artisans in 3-dimensional carved figures, but were also replicated in bas-reliefs on wood panels. Called “retablos”, these wooden works, often beautifully polychromed and showing multiple characters, Biblical events or episodes from a saint’s life were often hanged on church walls, although smaller ones were made for private devotion. Retablos represent some of the earliest examples of religious woodworks done in the islands during the colonial period.

ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS

From the church of Candaba, Pampanga, this 17th century retablo form part of a series of Nativity scenes rendered in polychromed molave wood. Luis Araneta Collection.

ADORATION OF THE MAGI

This retablo, evidently done by the same craftsman, is done with a more polished effort. The colors are more exciting and vivid and the similarity in the expression of the characters are peculiarities of images from Pampanga. Luis Araneta Collection.

SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR

St. Isidore, a popular saint figure in the Philippines, is invoked for good harvest by local farmers. This piece, from Bicol, is made from polychromed painted wood and dates from 1792. Richard and Sandra Lopez Collection.

GOD, ALMIGHTY FATHER

A quaint depiction of the all-knowing, all-seeing and patient God the Father surrounded by allegorical figures, including a white angels and a black devil weighing the souls of the dead. We see a just man giving alms and a sinner beating a victim with a club. Early 20th c., Paulino and Hetty Que Collection.

10TH STATION OF THE CROSS

This particular station, “Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments”, is no longer included in the new Stations of the Cross approved by Pope Benedict in 2007. Polychromed wood, 17th c., Narva Church, Camarines Sur. Paulino and Hetty Que Collection.

SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS

St. Francisco of Assisi, founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) is shown offering salvation to humanity by dangling his girdle of rope to people including religious figures wallowing in a fiery lake. Carved from a single slab of wood, it dates from 18th c. and comes from Ligao Church, Albay.