18th century

The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, with Saints Francis of Assisi and Anthony of Padua

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary states that the mother of Jesus was born without original sin. This concept was extremely popular in Latin America, and this painting from Cusco, Peru, follows its traditional iconography. The Virgin appears with her hands together in prayer and face lowered humbly. She is bathed in light and stands on a crescent moon. All around her, cherubs display symbols of her immaculacy, including roses and lilies, a doorway, a column, and a tower. The presence of Saints Francis of Assisi and Anthony of Padua indicates that this picture was likely a commission from the Franciscan order.