José Antonio de Ayala (Mexico, 18th century) "The Patronage of the Virgin of Carmen with Members of the Clergy, 17th century" Oil on copper. Signed. 43 x 32 cm. This finely and delicately detailed portrayal of the Virgin of Carmen on copper, created by Mexican artist José Antonio de Ayala, represents the love and maternal protection of Mary, who particularly assists and aids those who wear the Scapular. In this artwork, it is the Church, the Pope, and the Bishop who implore and seek her help, so that she may come to their aid in times of bodily and spiritual danger, freeing them from all evil and interceding for them to live in God's grace. The Virgin is accompanied by her spouse, Saint Joseph, and Saint Francis of Assisi, while holding her Son, who blesses and bestows redemption and mercy. Ayala was a prominent Mexican painter, a contemporary of Páez, whose work bears a great resemblance to that of Cristóbal de Villalpando, Juan Correa, José de Ibarra, Nicolás Enríquez, and José Joaquín Magón. His most famous work is "La familia del Valle a los pies de la Virgen de Loreto" (The Valle Family at the Feet of the Virgin of Loreto), painted circa 1769 and kept in the Soumaya Museum in Mexico City. This devotional painting was commissioned by the children of the del Valle family in memory of their parents. It is presented in a carved, patinated and gilded period wooden frame.