Anonymous (Andean, 18th century)

In the 18th century, images of the Virgin of Mercy were used by Mercedarian missionaries in the consecration of new devotional sites across the Andes. Unlike the European-derived versions of the Virgin of Mercy, where she is depicted with her outspread cloak used to shelter her devotees, La Peregrina de Quito is deeply rooted in New World visual traditions. Here, the Virgin is shown wearing a sumptuous gown adorned with gold brocading and floral motifs, and lace-trimmed sleeves, typical of other Marian devotional images venerated across the region. On her breast she wears the emblem of the Mercedarian order, and in her hand, the scapulars bear the same. The broad-brimmed hat that adorns both Virgin and child denote her significance as "Sacred Pilgrim," and protectress of both physical and spiritual journeys in the New World.