The 1754 papal declaration of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patron saint of New Spain significantly boosted her iconography in the 18th century. Following persistent efforts by the Society of Jesus, Rome’s Sacred Congregation of Rites issued a decree on April 24, ratified on May 25, establishing December 12 as her feast day.

The painting in question, dating from the time of Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta, reflects this proclamation and closely follows an engraving commissioned by the Jesuits and created by the Klauber brothers. It depicts Our Lady of Guadalupe surrounded by figures such as King David, St. Peter, and child angels offering crowns.

Pope Benedict XIV, who supported the iconography, is shown on the left, and a noble Indian personifying New Spain is on the right. The composition includes Rococo depictions of notable miracles attributed to Our Lady of Guadalupe, including the curing of an epidemic and saving sailors from a storm. The painting also features scenes from her apparitions to Juan Diego and the presentation of his tilma to the bishop.