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 wreath of roses, the entire scene floating upon heavenly clouds. Crowned by a coppered 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 without frame: 12" W x 16.3" H (30.5 cm x 41.4 cm); with frame: 15" W x 19.3" H (38.1 cm x 49 cm)
Provenance: private British Columbia, Canada collection, gifted from aunt in Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired prior to 1994
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#182677
Condition
Some minor nicks to surface, but otherwise intact and excellent with good remaining pigments and detail. Set in modern wooden frame with suspension wire on verso for display.