Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. late 18th early 19th century. A large and breathtaking oil on canvas painting of the crowned Virgin of Guadalupe with hands together in a prayerful gesture, soft oval visage, and lowered eyes, surrounded by a mandorla of golden rays, standing upon a crescent moon held by a cherub with outspread colorful wings. 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 painted upon that of the legendary cloak or tilma of roses. A stunning painting of a grand scale! Size: 40"H x 28"W.

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.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA

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#109248

Areas of conservation. Punctures on canvas as shown. Aged surface with areas of paint loss. Worm holes, aging, and losses to wood as shown. Overall, however, a brilliant rendering of this subject.