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Handmade Folk Art Retablo Sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen, "Our Lady of Mount Carmel"

Product ID: 78689

Wearing an elaborate crown, Our Lady of Mount Carmel extends her arms in benediction. Alejandro Chávez portrays the Madonna named for Mount Carmel in... more

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Wearing an elaborate crown, Our Lady of Mount Carmel extends her arms in benediction. Alejandro Chávez portrays the Madonna named for Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, where a chapel was built in her honor before her assumption into heaven. In 1251, she appeared in England, offering favors and protection to those who wear her scapular. Also known as Immaculate Virgin and Star of the Sea, she inspired the Carmelite order.

Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure and paints them by hand.

  • 0.47 kgs
  • 1.0 lbs
  • 23.5 cm H x 13.5 cm W x 8.5 cm D
  • 9.25" H x 5.25" W x 3.3" D

  • Ceramic, MDF
  • Color(s) may vary slightly
  • Motif(s) may vary slightly
  • Signed by the artist
  • Made in Peru
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Peruicon info
  • Product ID: 78689
Alejandro Chavez
Alejandro Chavez

The Andes

Traditional Andean retablos

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

206

gloria devargas

Verified Reviewer

Jun 16, 2016

exquisite!”

my first retablo; in love with this Andes folk art!

Purchased Item Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Handmade Folk Art Retablo Sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen

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Gerard

From Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Verified Reviewer

Jan 31, 2023

Beautiful Retablo”

The retablo is well designed and painted. It is a beautiful addition to the house.

Purchased Item Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Handmade Folk Art Retablo Sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen

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Miller

Verified Reviewer

Jun 25, 2025

What a beautiful and creative piece of art!”

I came across Alejandros work on the Novica website and thought it would make an excellent gift for a family member. Alejandros attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in the beautiful frame. It is a work of art in itself! Thank you Alejandro.

Picture frame This was a gift for Sister Occasion: thank you

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Your Purchase Makes a Difference!

Profound Impact

Profound Impact

Novica sales provide Alejandro's family workshop with a steady cash flow. These sales account for nearly half of their monthly income, helping to ensure their survival. Markets and other seasonal outlets provide supplemental income that contributes to their annual living expenses. In the coming years, Alejandro hopes to grow his workshop and better his family by increasing his Novica sales.

Preserving Traditions

Preserving Traditions

At school in Ayacucho, Alejandro began to learn the indigenous art of Andean retableria. Seeking to refine his craft, he apprenticed at the workshop of Angel Castro to learn the secrets of a master retablista. Upon his teacher's death, Alejandro founded his own workshop. There he began to incorporate his wife's modeled figures into his traditional retablos. Today Alejandro's nephews are his apprentices and his family workshop continues to craft their beloved retablos, which recount the culture and traditions of the Andes.

Enabling Education

Enabling Education

One year away from his 50th birthday, Alejandro and his wife adopted a son and a daughter (Jose and Carol) from their hometown. Today Alejandro continues to provide for the education of his children and his grandchild, who joined the family in 2018. His daughter Carol is studying accounting and his son Jose is at the police academy.

Microcredit Financing

Microcredit Financing

Alejandro Chavez has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $800 and the most recent for $1100. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of raw materials such as plaster, ceramic, plywood and paint.

Covering Basic Needs

Covering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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