MEXICAN

oil on wood panel

18 1/4 x 16 3/4 x 1 in.

Images of the Virgin of the Rosary were exceptionally popular in the California Missions, and here we see her with two saints central to Franciscan spirituality: Dominic, to whom the Virgin presented the rosary to reward his conversion efforts, and Francis, the founder of their missionary order. Images of the Virgin with important saints served the personal piety of the Franciscan priests, emphasizing the privileged position of Francis and his order. The notches on the bottom of this paintings wood panel indicate that it was displayed in Catholic processions, resting on tall wooden poles to ensure its visibility. These types of processions were common in the Missions, and would serve as both a community gathering and a public display of religious images in hopes of moving the faithful.

18th c.

Artist unknown, Mexican

Gift of Dr. Stephen S. Goodspeed and Mrs. John Goodspeed Ainsworth

1966.57