Anonymous (Peruvian, 18th century)

From the earliest days of the Church, the Virgin Mary acted as the intercessor for mankind. During the Middle Ages, devotion to her cult led to extensive building of cathedrals in her name, such as Notre Dame in Paris. In some traditions, it is believed that the Virgin appeared to St. Dominic in a vision, giving him the rosary and urging him to pray and meditate on salvation. St. Dominic, flanked on the right by St. Catherine of Siena, holds a lily at the Virgin’s feet. The Virgin is encircled by the rosary, reinforcing a belief in the power of prayer.