**Originally Listed At $200**

Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A finely painted retablo on heavy gauge tin depicting N.S. De La Cueva Santa (Our Lady of the Sacred Cave) - a subject that originated in Spain and was not terribly popular in Mexican art, hence a relatively rare retablo subject. The Virgin is dressed in white vestments with a floral brooch holding them in place; her tranquil visage is surrounded by an emanating halo, and a pair of winged angels hovering above are about to place a bejeweled crown atop her head. The image is surrounded by billowing clouds in the azure blue skies, and the cave is suggested by the tree to the left of the composition. As is traditional in depictions of Our Lady of the Sacred Cave, her complexion is pale, akin to that of a porcelain doll; her lips are pursed, and she is surrounded by radiant light. The pursed lips suggest that this artist was influenced by the master artist known as Conception Avila - perhaps better known as the Bee Sting Lip Painter whose trademark was to feature pursed lips. Size: 14" L x 9.625" W (35.6 cm x 24.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Kurquhill's Gallery, El Paso, Texas, USA; ex-private El Paso, Texas, USA collection, acquired early to mid 1970s

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#127710

Surface wear commensurate with age showing some abraded areas and pigment loss. Slight curling to corners, a bit of bending to lower left edge, and perforations at peripheries for former attachment.