Spanish Colonial, Mexico, 19th century. A painted retablo on heavy gauge tin depicting the Christ Child as El Nino de Atocha. Mounted in an antique ornate gold wood frame. In this retablo, the child is shown sitting in his traditional cape and brimmed hat, with a traveler's staff in his left hand and a basket in his right hand, flanked by roses. The work is done in the manner of the Rosa School or technique, with a red under-painted ground showing through to produce a rosy warm effect.

PAINTING: 7" x 10" (18 cm x 25.5 cm)

FRAME: 11 1/2" x 14" (29 cm x 36 cm)

PROVENANCE: San Francisco collection.

CONDITION: Retablo with surface wear, as shown. Frame in good condition with wear, as shown.

NOTES / REFERENCES: 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.

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