Our Lady of the Rosary

This Hispano-Flemish panel was produced by Miguel Jiménez in the last quarter of the 15th century, and formed part of a five-panel altarpiece in the Church of San Pablo in Zaragoza. Four of the panels depict saints seated on thrones, two on the left and two on the right: Saint Peter of Verona (martyr); Saint Bartholomew (an apostle); Saint Stephen (the first martyr); and Saint Dominic de Guzmán. This would have been the fifth panel. It represents the image of Our Lady of the Rosary who would have been placed in the center and whose name was probably used as the title of the altarpiece. Mother and son are surrounded by an oval garland or rosary of red and white roses forming an almond-shaped halo or mandorla. There is a crescent moon at the Virgin's feet, and rays of sunshine form a luminous, red and yellow focal point behind her. These elements allude to the Immaculate Conception in Apocalypse 12:1. The roses and lilies that adorn the paving are also symbols of the Virgin Mary. A decorative border at the top of the panel with motifs of plants and flowers imitates brocade. This can also be seen in the companion panels of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Stephen.