antique mexican retablo, oil on tin, late 19th century, Santo Nino de Atocha

Description

A devotional retablo painting of the Santo Niño de Atocha (Holy Child of Atocha).
Medium: Oil paint on tin.
Date: Late 19th century
Size: ca. 7.5” x 5.5” framed
Condition: Very good. The paint is completely intact on this retablo.
Description: The devotion derives from Atocha, Spain. The legend states that during the Moorish occupation of Spain, the Moors prohibited anyone other than children from visiting Christians in prison. One day a child dressed as a pilgrim visited the prison, carrying a staff, a basket of food, and a flask of water. After he distributed food and water to the prisoners, the basket and flask were still full. It was understood that this was a miraculous visit from the Christ child.
The painting shows the traditional iconography of the Santo Niño. The child is sitting on a chair. He wears a hat. In his outstretched right hand he holds a basket, in his outstretched left hand he holds a pilgrim’s staff. A vase of flowers is placed on either side.
The painting is in a modern red frame.