** A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this artwork will be donated to the Anthony Quinn Foundation, whose mission is to advocate for the important role arts education plays in personal development and in the overall improvement of social, economic and cultural systems. Learn more at aqfoundation.org **

Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A meticulously worked tin nicho framing a hand-painted retablo of the Virgin Mary, a variant of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, pressing her hands together in prayer and wearing her traditional blue cape and elaborate crown with a rosary over her skirts. The charming nicho presents square panels featuring rosettes in repousse at each corner; a hemispheric, half-moon shaped pediment adorned with decorative bands including an undulating garland followed by repeated circular motifs above a scalloped arch crowning the upper section; a pair of wing-shaped appliques with 'beaded' borders; as well as four hand-painted glass panels depicting abstract floral and leaf motifs in hues of buttercup yellow, sienna, bright white, cobalt blue, and spring green. A wonderful piece that demonstrates Anthony Quinn's admiration for Mexico's religious folk art tradition. Size: 7.375" W x 9.875" H (18.7 cm x 25.1 cm)

Anthony Quinn's admiration for folk art - art of the people - may be traced to his childhood. "Throughout his life, Anthony Quinn was steeped in creativity. When he was only two years old, Anthony’s mother used to craft hand-sewn handkerchiefs by drawing pictures on linen, embroidering and selling them to help feed the family. His father too displayed artistic talent. He played Mexican folk songs on the guitar and sang when the family would gather after dinner every night. Their first family home was a mere shack in the poor Mexican neighborhood of East Los Angeles, but his mother always kept the dirt floors swept clean and his father painted some of the windows with a beautiful landscape to hide the view of the neighborhood trash bins just outside. From these experiences, and many others, Anthony learned that regardless of how poor he was his life could be made richer through the arts." (Anthony Quinn Foundation - "The Legacy of Anthony Quinn")

Provenance: ex-private collection of actor Anthony Quinn and his wife Katherine, Bristol, Rhode Island, USA acquired prior to 2000

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#169223

Nicho shows normal age wear with minor indentations, abrasions, and nice warm patina. Glass components are intact. A few scuffs to the painting behind the glass inserts. Painting of Virgin shows minor age wear but is generally quite nice. Fitted with suspension loop and ready to display.