Description:

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 lighter blue 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. 9-7/8"L x 7"W

Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelly Collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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  • Condition: Some wear as shown. Nail hole at top center.

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October 24, 2014 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000