Lot 165
Latin America, Mexico, ca. late 19th to 20th century CE. A spectacular tin ex-voto depicting the crowned Virgin of Guadalupe with hands together in a prayerful gesture, a soft oval visage, and lowered eyes, standing upon a crescent moon and writhing serpent. Her characteristic blue mantle with star motifs and trim dramatically flows in the wind, surrounding her slender body and adding an air of grandiosity to her presentation. A moon face peaks out from behind her, and additional symbols of her iconography adorn the field around her. This rendering of Mary stems from medieval illustrations of the Apocalyptic Woman that emerged in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Here we see the more Renaissance influenced stylings of the Apocalyptic Woman, a tranquil approach that preceded the more flamboyant tendencies of the Baroque. Some scholars suggest that the juxtaposition of Guadalupe and a snake may indicate a nexus with the Aztec goddess of love and fertility, Tonantzin, also known as Coatlicue. Size: 7" W x 10" H (17.8 cm x 25.4 cm)
The miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to the native neophyte Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac in December 1531 was pivotal in the conversion of indigenous peoples of Mexico. Mary asked that a church be erected over the site of her appearance, just outside the Mexican capital. Juan Diego in turn presented a cloak full of roses that she had given him for the bishop, and her request was granted. This cloak or tilma which was miraculously imprinted with her image is currently in the basilica of Guadalupe and has been the model for depictions of N. S. de Guadalupe.
Provenance: ex-Arte Primitivo, New York, New York, USA, Fine Pre-Columbian & Tribal Art, Classical, Egyptian and Asian Antiquities #107, September 30 and October 3, 2022, lot #811; ex-New York City, New York, USA collection; ex-Edward H. Merrin Gallery, 1970s; ex-Veracruzana Inc, New York City, New York, USA, 1960s
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.
#175599
- Condition: Some minor areas of pigment loss, commensurate with age, but otherwise intact and in overall excellent condition. Old collection label on verso and perforation to top and bottom peripheries for display.
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 26.5% 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 |