Description
Nuestra Senora de la Cueva Santa (Our Lady of the Sacred Cave) is the subject of this world class 19th century Mexican folk retablo. She is almost always represented as she is here – encircled by stars, surrounded by radiant light and positioned before a foliate covered grotto.
The retablo is attributed to one of the great masters — Concepcion Avila, better known as the ‘Bee Sting Lip Painter’. His unique style is unlike any other. Our Lady of the Cave has several distinguishing features — the pale color of her skin, which is akin to that of a porcelain china doll, and of course her pursed lips – the trademark signature of ‘The Bee Sting Lip Painter’.
Inscribed along the lower edge” ‘Nra. Sra. de la Cueba Santa’.
