**First Time At Auction**

Latin America, Mexico, ca. late 19th century CE. An oil on canvas painting of the crowned Virgin of Guadalupe with hands held together in a prayerful gesture, a soft oval visage, and lowered eyes, surrounded by a mandorla of golden rays, standing upon a crescent moon held by a cherub (now missing). As is customary, she wears the traditional blue mantle with gold embroidery. This rendering stems from medieval illustrations of the Apocalyptic Woman that emerged in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Here we see the more Renaissance influenced stylings of the Apocalyptic Woman, a tranquil approach that preceded the more flamboyant tendencies of the Baroque. The image of Guadalupe is painted upon that of the legendary cloak or tilma of roses held by Juan Diego, as if he is presenting the miracle of the cloak of roses (see further discussion below) to the viewer just as he did to the doubting bishop, with blossoms as well as worshippers flanking the composition. Size: 20.5" L x 16.25" W (52.1 cm x 41.3 cm)

The miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to the native Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac in December 1531 was pivotal in the conversion of native peoples. Mary asked that a church be erected over the site of her appearance, just outside the Mexican capital. Juan Diego in turn presented a cloak full of roses that she had given him for the bishop, and her request was granted. This cloak or tilma which was miraculously imprinted with her image is currently in the basilica of Guadalupe and is the model for depictions of N. S. de Guadalupe. (Source: Gloria Fraser Giffords, "Mexican Folk Retablos," Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1974, pp. 52-53.)

Provenance: private Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA collection

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#161970

Canvas is not mounted. Surface wear with creases, losses to peripheries, and losses to pigmentation as shown, most noticeably missing the cherub traditionally shown below the crescent moon, with additional scuffs and losses to pigmentation throughout. Canvas has darkened and has stains as shown. Still, if framed, this painting could be extraordinary.