The Child of the Thorn

The "Child of the Thorn" is a scene narrated in Vita Christi of Ludolf of Saxony and translated from Latin into Spanish by Fray Ambrosio Montesino in the late fifteenth century commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs.

Following an iconographic model established in New Granada, the renowned artist Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos shows in the image the Child Jesus.

He holds with his right hand one of the fingers of his left hand, as he has pricked it while trying to weave a crown of thorns using roses.

The crown of thorns on the legs of the Child, which will be imposed on him years later before his crucifixion, is shown as an omen of the Passion.

This idea is reinforced by the pair of roses and the crucifix placed on the table, located next to Jesus Child.

A halo of light emanates from the head of the Child, symbol of his holiness. This, seated, directs his gaze towards his hands.

This act further reinforces the predestination character of the scene and shows the Child as if from his childhood he was already aware of the destiny that awaits him.

In New Granada, the iconography of this image was widely disseminated and was used to introduce the faithful to the theme of Passion from childhood.

It also taught the practice of piety and belief in the predestination of every Christian to the Last Judgment.