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’ fram...