Padre Eterno Painting – Colonial School, 17th Century
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 46 x 33 cm (painting); 52 x 42 cm (framed)
Restoration Status: Unrestored (pending conservation evaluation)
Provenance: Lot 50141, Templum Fine Art Auctions, March 20, 2025
Acquired by: Chicagoland Masterpiece Revival LLC
Divine Authority in Andean Colonial Art
This Padre Eterno painting, created by a 17th-century Colonial School artist, offers a powerful vision of divine majesty. The Eternal Father appears in rich earth tones, with a golden nimbus radiating behind Him. He raises His right hand in blessing, while His left displays a stone tablet inscribed in Latin—an emblem of divine law and spiritual truth.
Beside Him, a young acolyte presents a chalice in a gesture of Eucharistic devotion. To the right, a wooden basin holds three infants. This scene likely symbolizes innocence or baptismal renewal. Together, these figures create a composition grounded in Catholic ritual and theological depth.
Artistic and Devotional Context
Throughout the Spanish Americas, Padre Eterno imagery held deep religious significance. In Peru and Bolivia especially, artists merged Spanish iconography with local devotional practice to create compelling works of sacred art. Paintings like this one often served private chapels or monastic spaces, where they guided personal prayer and reflection.
To explore more examples of Colonial religious art, visit: https://resources.depaul.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/Pages/reverence-renewed.aspx
Provenance
- Templum Fine Art Auctions, Lot 50141
- Sale Date: March 20, 2025
Acquisition and Future Plans
This painting was acquired from Templum Fine Art Auctions in March 2025 and currently awaits conservation. Once evaluated and professionally stabilized, the work may be made available for private sale or exhibition.