Display at the Gallery-Our Lady of Guadalupe-Who is She?

Who is this lady that is depicted on cars, pot holders, and t-shirts as well as museum quality artworks?

In the spirit of sharing this holiday season, I will be displaying some of the artwork that I own that depicts this honored Mexican icon.  I hope you can drop by to see her image on a hotpad with angels serving her bagels (shown above), another where she holds her head as with a headache, and my personal favorite, a large stained glass image of her.  I will also be displaying a piece that I fashioned of embossed metal and one which my sister painted.  Trust me, neither of us is an artist. 

This display of 14 different pieces of art will be available for viewing beginning December 12th.

When my granddaughter was a little girl she asked me , "Who's more famous, Grandma, Frida or Our Lady of Guadalupe?"  Famous, indeed, even to a five year old.  So, who is this special lady?

In 1531, it is said that Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to the peasant Juan Diego on a hillside called Tepeyac outside of Mexico City.  To facilitate and provide proof to Church officials of the apparition, she miraculously caused her image to appear on the inside of Juan Diego's garment.  Within a short time, over 35 million Mexicans had converted to Christianity.

Today she is honored as the patron saint of Mexico.  Over the years she has served a significant and powerful position throughout its history including being on the flags carried by Emiliano Zapata and Miguel Hidalgo during the Mexican Revolution.

Years ago, I was able to be present on her feast day, December 12 at the Basilica in Mexico named in her honor.   The actual coat on which her image is emblazoned is on display here.  The number of people present on that day for this huge celebration was beyond belief.  Many had walked for miles to be there and a large percentage of these pilgrims actually walked on their knees out of respect to her.

Since then, I have been drawn to her many representations.