Colonial school, Mexico, 17th century. Passionary Child Jesus. Oil on panel. Following the engraving of Hieronimus ...

Colonial school, Mexico, 17th century. Passionary Child Jesus. Oil on panel. Following the engraving of Hieronimus Wierix. The Child Jesus is represented carrying the instruments of the Passion in a basket. 64 x 49 cm. Colonial artists used European prints as models for their compositions. Many of these prints were produced in Antwerp, the commercial capital of Flanders, a region that was at that time, like Peru, part of the vast Spanish empire. Bound in religious works, glued into artist albums, or loose as part of a robust art trade, thousands of Amberino prints traveled the length and breadth of the Spanish empire, leaving an indelible mark on all compositions. art of the Spanish colonies. Produced inexpensively, reproduced in large numbers, transported lightly, resistant to travel stress, and easily stored, European engraving was used as a stimulus for invention, a composition assistant, a repertoire of poses and a guarantor of iconographic orthodoxy, thus becoming in "portable Europe" for colonial artists.