Luis Lagarto (1556-after 1619)

Details
Luis Lagarto (1556-after 1619)

Tota Pulchra (Asunción de la Virgen)

signed and dated 'Luis Lagarto 1612' lower right--oil on vellum 7 7/8 x 5 7/8in. (20 x 15cm.)

Painted in 1612
Provenance
Private collection, Mexico City
Literature
G. Tovar de Teresa, El Arte de los Lagarto, Iluminaciones Novohispanas de los Siglos XVI y XVII, Fomento Cultural Banamex, Mexico, 1988, pp. 138-139 (illustrtated)

Lot Essay


" Although this painting is a rendition of the Assumption of the Virgin, it is known as a Tota Pulchra surrounded by her attributes: David's Tower, Heaven's Gates, the sealed Well, a Fountain, the morning star, etc. The Virgin is stepping on a dragon, the symbol of sin and heresy. Below, we see the Palm, the Cypres and other symbolic trees. The Virgin, lavishly dressed is being crowned by two angels, above her the Holy Spirit and further up the Eternal Father blessing the scene."
G. de Teresa Tovar, see op. cit., p.139


This work is part of the National Heritage of Mexico and cannot be removed from that country. Accordingly, it is offered for sale from the catalogue and will not be available in New York. Delivery of the painting will be made in Mexico in compliance with all local requirements. Prospective buyers may contact Christie's representative in Mexico for an appointment to view this painting.