Free Shipping UK, EU, US & Canada
UK Nationwide Free Home Viewings

  • Search
  • 0
  • Search

    • 19th Century Spanish Colonial School

    Retablo, El Nino de Atocha

    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha

    19th Century Spanish Colonial School

    Retablo, El Nino de Atocha

    This late 19th-century Mexican oil painting depicts the Christ child as ‘El Nino de Atocha’.

    El Nino de Atocha is a popular subject of Mexican retablo art and its roots can be traced to Atocha, a suburb of Madrid. During the 13th century, the Moors controlled the majority of Spain and many Christians in Atocha were taken prisoner. The prisoners relied upon family members for food but, according to legend, only children under the age of 12 were allowed to assist. Hence, for men without children, the conditions were dire.

    The women of Atocha prayed in desperation and it’s said that a child dressed as a pilgrim, unknown to anyone in the area, arrived with food for the childless. It soon became widely accepted that the pilgrim was a manifestation of the Infant Jesus.

    Here, in this depiction, Christ is shown wearing a traditional capelet and brimmed hat, while holding a staff and a basket with perhaps bread and roses. It’s a fascinating piece.

    Held within a splendid ‘Nicho’ frame with rosettes, and punched hemispheric attachments embellished with star, floral, and beaded motifs.

    Medium: Oil on tin
    Overall size: 19½” x 24” / 49cm x 61cm
    Year of creation: c. 1880
    Provenance: Private collection, Denver, Colorado, USA (prior to 1990) / Private collection, France.
    Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Aged-related wear on the retablo and frame including small losses. The paint layer is stable. Delicate frame.
    Our reference: BRV1802

    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha
    19th Century Spanish Colonial School, Retablo, El Nino de Atocha

    Conservation & History

    We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

    Stay In Touch
    Subscribe to our Wednesday newsletter for the latest finds and 10% off your order.

    Availability