Up for sale is a stunning mid-century modern abstract "Last Supper" wall plaque, beautifully handcrafted by the Benedictine Monks of Talleres Monásticos (Emaus) in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Created during the 1960s to 1970s, this piece is an extraordinary, large-scale example of mid-century religious art and Mexican modernism.
This specific variant features a striking, minimalist interpretation of Christ and the Disciples hand-tooled in solid brass. Utilizing a signature dimensional technique, the brass figures protrude from the board, floating dramatically above the wood to create an architectural 3D sculptural relief that casts beautiful shadows under accent lighting. Positioned on the table in front of Christ are the iconic Eucharistic elements—the Holy Host and Chalice arranged side-by-side.
The figures are mounted securely on a heavy, black-stained solid wood backing board, providing a deep, high-contrast silhouette that fits seamlessly into both retro and contemporary spaces.
Note on Maker Mark: This piece does not have a visible stamp or mark. Over the decades, the original paper workshop labels or corner stamps on these items often wore away or were removed. However, this is an iconic, highly documented, and unmistakable signature design from the Emaus Benedictine workshop designed by Ernesto Paulsen Camba, making its attribution undeniable.
📐 KEY FEATURES & DESIGN
• Artisan Workshop: Emaus / Talleres Monásticos (Monastic Workshops)
• Origin: Handmade in Cuernavaca, Mexico by Benedictine Community Monks
• Style: Dimensional 3D High-Relief / Raised "Metales Divorciados" Style
• Design Motif: Features the side-by-side Eucharistic Chalice and Host table setup
• Era: Circa 1960s – 1970s
• Aesthetic: Mid-Century Modern / Modernist / Minimalist Abstract Art
• Materials: Hand-formed Solid Brass figures over an ebonized/black-stained wood base
• Markings: Unmarked / Unsigned (Attributed design)
📏 MEASUREMENTS:
• Length: 23.5 inches
• Height: 8 inches
• Depth/Thickness: 1 inch
Themes: Emaus Last Supper, Talleres Monasticos, Mexican Modernism, Mid Century Religious Art, Benedictine Monks Mexico, Abstract Last Supper, Brutalist Wall Sculpture, Brass Wall Plaque, Ebonized Wood Art, Cuernavaca Monastic Art, Vintage Sacred Art, Catholic Wall Decor, Ernesto Paulsen Camba, 1960s Christian Art, Unsigned Emaus Art, Modernist Cross Plaque, Retro Brass Sculpture, Large Religious Plaque, Chalice and Host Art, 3D Raised Metal Plaque, Metales Divorciados Art
✨ CONDITION:
Very good vintage condition. The brass figures hold a wonderful, rich texture. The ebonized backing board shows some minor light surface wear/nicks from age along the edges, but it is completely unobtrusive, does not detract from the visual display, and adds to its authentic vintage character. I took photos of the nicks - mostly on back side. Ready to hang. Please see all images carefully to confirm condition details and check measurements.