Antique Latin American portrait of The Veil of Veronica and Jesus Christ

Purchased in Buenos Aires a long time ago, this painting was originally painted around 1850. North of Argentina, from the northern Andes, a mestizo most likely painted this colonial style depicting The Veil of Veronica, copying classic Italian and Spanish depictions of Christian ideology. Painted in an unschooled manner, some may say, it has a naive flavor that I, personally, find very appealing. Primitive, rustic and somewhat innocent in style, it's very captivating.

The Veil of Veronica, according to legend, was used to wipe the sweat from Jesus’ brow as he carried the cross. Veronica, so moved with sympathy at seeing Jesus carrying the cross to Golgotha or was it Calvary? gave him her veil so that he could wipe his forehead. Jesus accepted the offer, and when he returned the veil the image of his face was inexplicably captured on it. The resulting relic became known as the Veil of Veronica. Several images claim to be the Veil of Veronica. Who knows?

Who was Veronica? The legends of Saint Veronica are surprisingly too many! Wether married to a tax collector or suffering from a hemorrhage, the cloth itself was a miraculous cloth imbedded with the magic that was needed to help the myth of religious piousness continue.

There are many Holy relics associated with the life of Jesus Christ, and the Veil of Veronica falls squarely into the top 10 relics! Many were allegedly discovered centuries ago although not all are currently on display. There is an image kept in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome which purports to be the same Veronica used, we will never know for sure.

Measurements are 3' 4" in height by 4' 3" wide, unframed.