Vintage Mexican / Spanish Folk Art Santos or Retablo

Charming vintage Mexican folk art religious icon comprised of a lithograph of the child Jesus dressed in costume decoupaged to the underside of a clear, concave glass dish with a hand-painted border framing the image. A cord, from which to hang the painting, is attached to the back paper; the country of origin stamp "Mexico" appears there as well. Unsigned..

Devotion to the Child Jesus, "Santo Niño" or "Niño Dios", is very strong in Mexico and several miracles have be attributed to icons of this genre around the country. This example is a lovely testament to that cultural tradition.

The image is of El Santo Nino de Atocha a Spanish icon originating in 13thC. Spain at the village of Atocha, near Madrid. During the Moorish control of the country, Catholic men were often taken as prisoners. Families were responsible for their sustenance while incarcerated and local rule dictated that only children could bring food to the prisoners. This image represents those children with a basket in one hand, sheafs of wheat in the other. The walking staff, hat, and other attire, including the badge of the Shell of St. James on the cloak, are those of a pilgrim making the long trek of the Camino de Santiago, often referred to "The Way of St. James":. Local lore expanded to include this portrayl of the infant Jesus keeping pilgrims and other travelers safe along their journey. When the original statue of the Holy Child of Atocha was brought from Spain and installed in a local church in Fresnillo, Mexico in 1554., the religious observance migrated with the icon. This depiction of the Child Jesus represents his role as the protector of all men and rescuer of people in danger.

Dimensions: overall, 5.4"W x 7.2"H; image, 3.4"W x 5.4"H.

As-found condition with the typical irregularities of an artisan created piece.

Free local pickup; otherwise shipped via economical parcel delivery.