Viceregal School. Cuzco. Peru. Late 17th Century - Early 18th Century. 'Our Lady of Cocharcas on an Altar, Venerated by a Military Officer, a Villager, and Two Indigenous People.' Oil on panel. 28.5 x 22.5 cm. This is a vibrant and colourful folk art altar painting, almost flat or 'retablo' style. It depicts one of the most revered Peruvian Marian advocations, associated with the locality of Cocharcas (in Chincheros). The worship of Our Lady of Cocharcas dates back to the late 16th century. She is depicted holding a bouquet of roses and 'amancay' (a lily native to the South American highlands) in her right hand. In her left hand, she carries the Christ Child who is holding the world, while giving blessing. At her feet, there are figures praying—an aristocratic military officer, perhaps the donor or the person who commissioned the work for personal worship; a villager who may be his mother or a portrayal of any local woman; and two indigenous Peruvians, adorned in festive attire, celebrating before their Patroness, holding what seem to be a musical instrument and a whip. This painting strongly reflects the costumbrist character of Peruvian art, in this simple depiction of a daily event in the artist's society and culture, worshipping their Patroness on an altar during festivities.