Mexico, 19th century CE. Breathtaking rendition of El Alma de Maria, capturing the mystical descent of the Holy Ghost upon Mary and the announcements of the Incarnation. Mary is young and beautiful wearing a crown of pink roses, a pearl necklace and pearl earrings. Her hands crossed over her heart, she presses the white dove toward her. This is a somewhat rarer depiction, because she holds not only a staff of lilies in one hand, but also a branch of roses in the other. Symbolizing her purity and exemption for worldly sins, the Virgin is dubbed a "rose without thorns" or a "lily among thorns." Hence lily is the flower most associated with her, a symbol of her purity. The garland of roses crowning her may allude to the rosary of the Blessed Virgin, a device commonly used during the Renaissance. The artist created a balanced composition and skillfully painted and modeled the Virgin's features. The green background and light radiating from her head provide a bit of depth to the scene. The dove and flowers, however, are depicted in a symbolic rather than naturalistic manner, as was characteristic of Mexican Folk Art. 10.00"W x 14.00"H (25.40 W x 35.56 H cm)

Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelly collection, Denver.

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Surface wear as shown. Intact and good condition.