The Patricia and Philip Forst Art Museum (visit 3)

Nuestra Senora De Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe)
Mexico, late 18th to early 19th century
oil on canvas
14 1/4 x 13 1/2   inches.
collection of the lowe Art Museum. University of Miami
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cayia, 91.0404

In 1531, the peasant Juan Diego was walking from his village to Mexico City when he saw a vision of a young girl, surrounded by light. She spoke to him and asked that a church be built at that site, in her honor. Juan Diago recognized the Lady as the Virgin Mary and told his story to the Spanish Archbishop, who instructed him to retur to Tepeyac Hill, and ask lady for a miraculous sign to prove her identity. The Virgin told Juan Diego to gather flowers from the topof usually barren hilltop and carry them in his peasant clock. When Juan Diego opened the clock before the Bishop on DEcember 12, the flowers fell to the floor, and in their place was the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, miraculously imprinted on the fabric. The icon is now displayed in the Bsilica of Our lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Marian shrines. The Virgin of Guadalupe has been prociaimed the patroness of the Americas.