Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A captivating oil on tin retablo depicting The Virgen del Carmen (Nuestra Senora del Carmen - Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) who holds the Christ Child while the pair float upon billowing cloud of the celestial realm. The Virgin wears a Carmelite habit, and both hold scapulars which resemble the shield of the Carmelite Order (N.S. de Carmen being the patroness of that order). Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the Virgin Mary's identities in Spain. She is believed to protect the living on earth as well as the souls in purgatory. Consistent with her role as protector and mother, this painting presents the Virgen del Carmen with a kind expression on her face as she gazes downward, indicating that she is looking after her devotees, 2 of which are shown as souls in purgatory. A very special painting, replete with impressive artistry and poignant religious meaning. Size: 10" W x 14" H (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm)

According to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments; Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy. Principles and Guidelines. Vatican, 2001, the Brown Scapular is "an external sign of the filial relationship established between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Mount Carmel, and the faithful who entrust themselves totally to her protection, who have recourse to her maternal intercession, who are mindful of the primacy of the spiritual life and the need for prayer."

The scapular was traditionally a broad band of cloth worn over the shoulders, that fell below the knees toward the feet front and back as an apron. It is still worn as a component of the religious habit by a number of orders of monks and friars. Gradually the scapular was adapted for use by the laity, and became two small panels of brown cloth joined by strings and worn over the shoulders as a familiar Marian sacramental. Its popularity persisted because of its association with the salvation of souls.

Provenance: private Oglesby, Illinois, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s from various Western US auction galleries

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#184311

Light bending to tin. Some small chips and perforations to periphery, none of which greatly affect image, as well as small areas of paint loss but otherwise bright pigments, clear composition, and great detail.