Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. An antique retablo painted on heavy gauge tin depicting El Nino de Atocha. The tradition of the child may be traced back to a suburb of Madrid, where prisoners of the faith were said to have been visited and nourished by a young boy dressed as a wandering pilgrim. Because of the miraculous nature of the child's appearance, this subject has traditionally been interpreted as a manifestation of the Child Jesus. He is shown in his traditional capelet and brimmed hat, with a traveler's staff in his left hand and a basket of bread in his right. The subject is seated in an elaborate chair that is flanked by vases of roses. Curtains frame the scene, a reference to the earlier European Baroque period. Size: 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm)

According to Historia Antiques, "El Nino de Atocha, one of the most popular subjects in Mexican retablo art, is the patron saint for freeing prisoners, also known to perform miracles for travelers and those in danger. This popular image originated in Spain after the Moors invaded the town of Atocha. According to popular legend, there was a prison filled with Christians who lacked basic necessities including food and water. Only missionary children were allowed to visit and one day after family members prayed a child carrying a basket, a staff and a gourd of water, came dressed as a pilgrim. After he served everyone in the prison both his basket and gourd were still full and it was then believed that the miraculous visitation was none other than the Infant Jesus."

Provenance: Ex-Historia Gallery, Santa Monica, CA.

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#109083

Tiny perforations at perimeter. Minor surface wear and bending as shown.