The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe by the González brothers is surrounded by flowers, but it is worth noting that roses are found among them, since according to Mexican tradition, when Juan Diego showed his ayate with the stamped Virgin to Bishop Zumárraga, a cascade of roses of Castile fell to the Bishop's feet, which were certainly not cultivated on the hill of Tepeyac.
The Virgin's face, painted in oil and with careful strokes, faithfully resembles the original image of the Virgin of Tepeyac. At her feet the moon is portrayed, appearing between day and night, because "Metz-xic-co" means "in the center of the moon". The angel has quetzal, pelican and macaw wings, and a robe that represents the earth with cheesecloth. The rays symbolize the sun, which in pre-Hispanic Mexico is identified with a deity. The hands are joined in prayer.
Finally, it is worth pointing out the intensity and color variety of the motherof- pearl inlay. It is, in short, a piece of exceptional quality and mastery. And we could not have expected otherwise, given its purpose - reproducing the universal patron saint of New Spain.
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