Colonial school in New Spain, Mexico, 18th century - Our Lady of Ocotlán

Descriptio Oil on copper. Dimensions: 82 x 62 cm. Dimensions with frame: 118 x 90 cm. This important, large-format devotional painting from the Viceroyalty of New Spain depicts Our Lady of Ocotlán, one of the most venerated Marian devotions in Mexico and patron saint of the state of Tlaxcala. The composition features the image of the Virgin at its center, standing on a pedestal, crowned and adorned with a sumptuous triangular-shaped mantle richly ornamented with gilded vegetal and floral motifs. Her face, with its serene and delicate expression, is framed by long, dark hair, while her hands are clasped before her chest in prayer. The ornate richness of her garments, executed with meticulous work of gold lines on dark backgrounds, reflects the characteristics of the dressed Marian images that achieved extraordinary popularity in the religious art of New Spain. The main figure appears surrounded by four cartouches with curvilinear profiles, decorated with exuberant gilded rocaille and small representations of the Virgin, which reinforce the narrative and devotional character of the composition. On either side are delicate floral bouquets in reddish, pinkish, and white tones, introducing elements of naturalism and enriching the overall color scheme. At the bottom, two donor figures stand out: a man and a woman, depicted half-length, dressed in period clothing, and positioned in an attitude of veneration before the sacred image. Their presence is one of the most distinctive aspects of the work, reflecting the importance of religious patronage and local elites in the artistic production of New Spain. The possible identification of these figures with prominent members of Tlaxcalan society is especially significant due to the close historical connection of this devotion with the indigenous communities of the region. Between the portraits of the donors, against the reddish background of the lower part of the painting, appears the inscription “Our Lady of the Rosary.” “Our Lady of Ocotlán, ” which expressly identifies the Marian devotion depicted. Below it is a second inscription of a votive nature, headed by the words “Devotion to, ” followed by the names of the donors, among whom that of Doña Luisa Ortiz appears to be distinguished. This detail is of particular historical and documentary interest, as it directly links the painting to its original patrons and reinforces its character as a private devotional commission, possibly related to a family of social standing in New Spain. Devotion to Our Lady of Ocotlán originates in the tradition of Marian apparitions that occurred in 1541, when the Virgin is said to have appeared to the indigenous man Juan Diego Bernardino in a pine forest near Tlaxcala. According to tradition, during an epidemic that affected the population, The Virgin showed the seer a spring whose waters possessed healing properties and indicated that an image of her would be found inside a tree, destined to be venerated in the church of San Lorenzo. This event gave rise to one of the most important Marian devotions in New Spain, fostering the creation of numerous paintings, sculptures, and liturgical objects intended to spread her image. The present work is a remarkable example of this iconographic tradition, combining the solemn representation of the Virgin with ornamental elements characteristic of the New Spanish Baroque. The use of copper as a painting support is particularly noteworthy, a material prized for its smooth surface and the possibilities it offered for achieving meticulous execution and effects of great luminosity. Its considerable dimensions are especially striking for a painting executed on this support. The treatment of the flesh tones, the precision of the textile details, the gilded motifs, and the symmetrical arrangement of the decorative elements demonstrate a careful artistic conception intended to exalt the sacred nature of the image. Lot in international warehouse (outside the EU). For shipments to the European Union, import duties and/or taxes will be applied and are the responsibility of the buyer.

Estimation:€25,000

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