18th-century Andalusian school

18th-century Andalusian school.
“Divine Shepherdess with the Child.”
Oil on copper.
Shows signs of wear.
Measurements: 59 x 43 cm.

The origins of devotion to the Divine Shepherdess remain unclear until the 18th century: there are references to Mary as a shepherdess in the writings of Juan el Geómetra, St. John of God, St. Peter of Alcántara, the Venerable María Jesús de Ágreda, and Saint María de las Cinco Llagas; however, its widespread popularity is attributed to a Capuchin priest of great Marian devotion, Friar Isidoro of Seville, who in 1703 commissioned a painting on this theme from Alonso Miguel de Tovar. Likewise, in 1705 he wrote *La Pastora Coronada* (*The Crowned Shepherdess*), a work in which he set forth his distinctive conception of the Virgin as a shepherdess. In this specific case, the depiction of the Virgin differs somewhat from the scriptures; while it is true that she appears dressed as a shepherdess, surrounded by a flock, the presence of Jesus sets her apart from the standard iconographic model. The Child, who is wearing the same cap as his mother and a white tunic, is absorbed in his own task, ignoring his mother, who in turn directs her gaze toward the viewer. Despite their proximity—since Jesus is sitting on Mary’s lap—both are depicted independently, presenting their religious duties to the viewer: Mary as a shepherdess tending her flock, as the Queen of Heaven; and Jesus, busy with a reed, gathering and saving the hearts of his faithful.