Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial Period, ca. 19th century CE. A beautiful hand-painted tin retablo that tenderly represents the Virgin Mary and Christ Child arranged in a composition traditionally referred to as N.S. Refugio de Pecadores (Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners) framed by a circle of stars, the entire scene floating upon heavenly clouds. Crowned by a tiara, the Virgin sits amongst the clouds, supporting a standing Christ child draped in a translucent, white robe. Her sweet face is endearingly angled toward the infant, as a red tunic and deep blue cape falls over her shoulders. The Christ Child rests his right hand on her right arm and grips her hand. It is a touching scene that clearly follows the tenets of the 18th-century Italian source for this composition. Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints, and the translation of the word retablo literally means "behind the altar." Size: 10" W x 14" H (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm)

Provenance: private Oglesby, Illinois, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s from various Western US auction galleries

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#184323

Suspension holes to top and bottom for previous display. Some folding to corners, wrinkling to lower edge, and nicks and scratches to pigment; neither of which affect imagery. Otherwise, intact and excellent