Sto. Nino de Atocha Retablo

This 19th-century Mexican folk retablo represents the "Santo Nino de Atocha." El Nino de Atocha, one of the most popular subjects in retablo art, is the patron saint of travelers and prisoners, and is venerated for protection from dangerous situations. This popular image originated in Spain after the Moors invaded the town of Atocha. During the Moorish occupation many Christians were taken prisoner, most lacking basic necessities, food, and water. Only missionary children were allowed to visit the prison, and one day after family members prayed, a child carrying a basket, a staff, and a gourd of water, came dressed as a pilgrim. After he served everyone in the prison both his basket and gourd were still full and it was then believed that the miraculous visitation was none other than the Infant Jesus.

The retablo is inscribed along the lower edge 'N.R. del Sto Nino de Atocha' and adorned in silver with all of the 19th century mounts intact -- a silver resplendor, a hat, traveler's staff, basket and a pair of botanical urns.

Dimensions: tin retablo measures 7 inches x 5 inches. Overall height including the silver resplendor, is 8 inches.

Condition: in excellent, original condition

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