Holy souls in Purgatory

Painting on wood dedicated to the souls of Purgatory. At the centre, on top, Christ crucified is flanked by Saint Anthony, with the Baby Jesus on his lap, and by the Archangel Gabriel, holding the scale of justice in his right hand. Beneath the crucified Christ is Our Lady flanked by one 'soul" on each side. This type of religious representation, the "Alminhas" (literally, "Little souls") was used not only within churches and chapels but also in small niches that received the same name. Such niches were built at crossroads, near bridges, or other places of particular significance for the communities, where anyone passing by could stop and pronounce prayers for the salvation of souls.