Latin America, Mexico, ca. mid-19th century CE. A tender rendition of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child traditionally referred to as N.S. Refugio de Pecadores (Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners) on an antique tin retablo. This example displays fine painting technique and a nicely balanced composition. Note the almost photographic naturalistic rendering of the visages of the Virgin and Child as well as the expert depiction of the transparent, diaphemous gown worn by the Christ Child and the Virgin Mary's voluminous draperies. Size: 14"L x 9-1/2"W.

To provide a bit of background information and some further explanation on this iconography, in 1719 a Jesuit missionary brought a copy of a painting originally created for an altar formerly at Frascati, Italy, in the style of Guido or Salvator Rosa, to Mexico, the city of Zacatecas to be precise. The painting inspired the locals to adopt N.S. Refugio de Pecadores as their patron.

The Virgin wears a golden crown and supports a crowned Christ Child whose nude body is covered by a transparent robe. She dons a scarf that is drawn across her right shoulder, and her dark blue cape is initialed with her ciphers. The Christ child rests his right hand on her right arm and grips her right thumb with his left hand. Under the Virgin and Child are the words "Refugium Pecatorum" meaning Refuge of Sinners. It is a touching scene, and this rendition clearly follows the tenets for its correct representation.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, Santa Monica, CA

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#109228

Intact with areas of surface wear and oxidation as shown. A bit of red paint at peripheries.