Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A finely painted retablo on heavy gauge tin depicting the Christ Child as El Nino de Atocha, set in a beautifully worked tin nicho presenting a rosette in repousse on the scalloped pediment with cut and repousse adorned tendril-shaped attachments to either side, as well as hand-painted glass panels depicting leafy festoons of blossoming flowers in the frame and over the image. Sheets of patterned gold foil were placed behind the glass frame panels. The tradition of the child may be traced back to Atocha, a suburb of Madrid, following the Moors' invasion, where pious prisoners 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 and bountiful offerings, it is accepted that he was 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. Size: 13.25" L x 6.875" W (33.7 cm x 17.5 cm)

El Nino de Atocha is one of the most popular subjects in Mexican retablo art. The child is known as the patron saint for freeing prisoners, believed to perform miracles for travelers and anyone in danger. According to popular legend, after the Moors invaded the town of Atocha, there was a prison occupied by Christians who lacked food and water and other fundamental necessities. The only visitors permitted were missionary children. However, one day after family members prayed, a child dressed as a pilgrim, carrying a basket, a staff and a gourd of water arrived. Miraculously, after serving every prisoner, his basket and gourd remained full. For this reason, the miraculous visitation was believed to be from the Infant Jesus.

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

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#121971

Old inventory label on verso of nicho states that the frame is original and that the piece dates to the late 1800s. Nicho shows expected oxidation, areas of bending and a few tears. One wing has separated from the pediment. Painted retablo shows areas of oxidation and pigment loss. Two cracks to lower frame panel. One piece missing from upper frame panel.