Latin America, Mexico, ca. 18th century CE. A striking oil on canvas painting of the crowned Virgin of Guadalupe with hands together in a prayerful gesture, a 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 embroidery in gold leaf. 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 style 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. Size: 24.75" L x 19.5" W (62.9 cm x 49.5 cm)

In addition, the composition features two bishops dressed in red and white vestments and mitres - each clergyman holding an open Gospel and a crozier - positioned in the upper right and lower left corners. Directly below the Virgin of Guadalupe is a pair of animas solas (lonely souls) in purgatory. To the upper left is John the Baptist stepping out of the waters and holding the infant Christ upon his shoulder, and at the lower right is St. Michael, the Chief Commander of the Heavenly hosts who bravely challenged the Devil. Satan, after all, was Michael's opponent in the battle for Heaven.

Provenance: private Omer Claiborne collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; acquired over the last 40 years

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#129232

Expected surface wear commensurate with age. A few old repairs, with visible patches on the verso. Canvas has darkened on the verso. Original stretcher bars.