This retablo of Mary is patterned after an early eighteenth century
altar piece in Frascati, Italy. A copy of the painting was brought to
Zacatecas, Mexico where Mary, as the Refuge of Sinners, became the
city's patron saint.
N.S., Refugio de Pecadores is always presented without deviation from
the theme or format represented in this painting. She is crowned and
supports a crowned Child, whose nude body is covered with a
transparent robe. Mary wears a red gown with a scarf drawn across her
right shoulder and her blue robe is almost always lettered with her
ciphers "MA". The child rests his right hand on her arm and grasps
her right thumb in his left hand. They appear resting on the clouds
and usually there are roses and sometimes angels in the background.
This image was invoked for protection from sin and repentance.