This is a small one, found the same day (at an antiques show in New Hampshire) that I found a couple of early 19th century portrait miniatures also listed today, and she has a bit of that feeling herself. I believe she represents Saint Rose of Lima (1586–1617), a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic in Lima, Peru, Spanish Empire, who became known both for her life of severe penance and for her care of the poverty stricken. And of course I would love her: she is the patron saint of embroidery, gardening, and cultivation of blooming flowers!
Here she is depicted in her black and white Dominican habit with identifying crown of roses and more flowers blooming everywhere around her. Christ on the cross in the distance, facing the other direction, wuth a dramatic rake of pink light splitting the clouds and hitting the cross. And her with this blushing, beatific face, eyes closed and hands crossed just below her chin, with a little craquelure to the paint evincing fine scars across her face, as if from thorns. I believe this would be properly described as a retablo/icon of the Cuzco school -- a tradition originated in Cuzco, Peru after the 1534 Spanish conquest, with Cuzco considered the first artistic center that systematically taught European artistic techniques in the Americas. And, as traditional to the Cuzco school, lots of use of gold here, including for the trim of her veil and habit, which to my eye further evinces thorns to go along with her roses.
5 1/4" x 3 13/16". Goofdcondition, painting on tin, light craquelure and a minor rust here and there, all to the good I think. Clipped corners as evident. C. late 19th century or so, I believe.
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