Lot 10D
Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A finely painted retablo on heavy gauge tin depicting the Christ Child as El Nino de Atocha - set in a stunning tin nicho adorned with rosettes at the corners and punched tin hemispheric attachments embellished with star, floral, and beaded motifs that surround El Nino de Atocha. The tradition of the child may be traced back to Atocha, a suburb of Madrid, following the Moors' invasion, where pious prisoners were said to have been visited and nourished by a young boy dressed as a wandering pilgrim. Because of the miraculous nature of the child's appearance and bountiful offerings, it is accepted that he was a manifestation of the Child Jesus. In this retablo, he is shown in his traditional capelet and brimmed hat, with a traveler's staff in his left hand and a basket of roses and perhaps bread in his right - all delineated in rich jewel tones indicative of a Baroque influence. Size (retablo): 9.9" W x 13.875" H (25.1 cm x 35.2 cm); (frame): 19.375" W x 23.9" H (49.2 cm x 60.7 cm)
El Nino de Atocha is one of the most beloved subjects in Mexican retablo art. The child is known as the patron saint for freeing prisoners, believed to perform miracles for travelers and anyone in danger. According to popular legend, after the Moors invaded the town of Atocha, there was a prison occupied by Christians who lacked food and water and other fundamental necessities. The only visitors permitted were missionary children. However, one day after family members prayed, a child dressed as a pilgrim, carrying a basket, a staff and a gourd of water arrived. Miraculously, after serving every prisoner, his basket and gourd remained full. For this reason, the miraculous visitation was believed to be from the Infant Jesus.
Provenance: ex-private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired prior to 1990
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#154696
- Condition: Normal surface wear commensurate with age, but the painting is still quite vivid. Tin nicho shows slight bending, indentations, and minute losses to peripheries as shown, but the nicho is relatively well preserved. Suspension loop attached to verso.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |