Latin America, Mexico, ca. late 19th century CE. A charming painted gesso on canvas depiction of a resplendant vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Juan Diego holding the tilma behind her, as if he were presenting the miracle of the cloak of roses (see further discussion below) to the viewer just as he did to the doubting bishop, the blossoms bordering the composition. In retablo art, the Virgin Guadalupe is represented as a praying Madonna with a tilted head and a gently curving body, with hands pressed together in a prayerful gesture and lowered eyes. She is surrounded by a mandorla comprised of golden rays and stands upon a crescent moon that is supported by a cherub. A special piece, painted on canvas rather than the more common heavy gauge tin. Size: 30.875" L x 22.75" W (78.4 cm x 57.8 cm)

This composition was adopted from medieval illustrations of the Apocalyptic Woman and may be traced back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Her garments, which never deviate, include a blue mantle with gold stars and trim and a red robe enriched with golden embroidery. In addition, the cherub with Byzantine like wings who appears beneath her is also a constant in renditions of the Virgin Guadalupe. For a traditional example see Gloria Fraser Gifford's "Mexican Folk Retablos," figure 22, p. 52. For one very similar to this piece, with Juan Diego holding the cloak, see figure 23, p. 55.

According to Giffords, "In December 1531, the Virgin appeared to an Indian neophyte, Juan Diego. In a series of appearances to him, she stated her desire to have a church built upon the site of her appearance, the hill of Tepeyac, just outside the Mexican capital. Her wishes were fulfilled when Juan Diego presented a cloak full of roses that she had given him for the unbelieving bishop. The cloak appeared miraculously imprinted with her image. This tilma is presently in the basilica of Guadalupe, where it has been since it was transferred in 1709 from earlier chapels, and is the basis for any subsequent reproduction of N. S. de Guadalupe." (Gloria Fraser Giffords, "Mexican Folk Retablos," Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1974, pp. 52-53.)

Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, CO, USA, acquired thirty years ago

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#122023

Losses to peripheries and a few to the mantle as shown. Canvas has separated and bowed away from the wood backing in places. Old tag on verso reads, "Antique Large Oval Our Lady of Guadalupe Retablo $9,500.00."