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The radiant heart has long symbolized sorrow, joy, humanity, understanding, love and devotion and can be observed throughout the folk art of Mexico. This chromolithograph was most likely produced in Europe, probably Spain, and depicts the flaming heart exposed at the center of Mary’s chest. It is surrounded by a ring of white roses, symbols of her purity, and is pierced with a sword that indicates the pain and sorrow felt at the loss of her son.
The tin-framed nicho has a scalloped inner edge that borders the chromolithograph. The piece is crowned by an intact semicircular lunette with alternating pointed and rounded rays. The composition is missing its original side wings but nevertheless presents a complete composition. The original float, bubbled glass is intact.
There is discoloration in the lithograph and oxidation of the frame consistent with having been passed through successive generations in a rural household. It is likely that the lithograph and the frame were acquired separately by the original owner and combined as a major element in a home altar. This is a charming piece.
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