Allegory of the Virgin Patroness of the Dominicans 

Miguel Cabrera painted this depiction of the Virgin as patroness of the Dominican order, likely in the mid-1700s, in New Spain. Dominating the composition, we see the Virgin Mary with arms spread, offering protection. This gesture, echoing ancient depictions of figures like Isis, symbolizes nurturing and refuge. Her open arms reappear through the ages, from classical antiquity to medieval Madonnas, each iteration carrying a plea for protection. Note also the crown above her head. This is a direct association with royalty and power. Below, Dominican saints look upward, their expressions a mixture of hope and supplication. This is a visualization of humanity reaching for divine grace, and represents the emotional bridge between heaven and earth. Consider the visual weight of these symbols – the opened arms, the upward gaze. They invite us to explore our own yearning for protection, and our collective memory of seeking solace in the divine. Such deeply ingrained motifs remind us of art’s ability to reflect and shape our innermost emotions.