Miguel Cabrera – The Divine Shepherdess (La divina pastora) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

The composition presents a seated figure within a pastoral setting, bathed in soft light emanating from the upper left quadrant. The central figure is adorned in rich fabrics – a blue cloak over a red tunic – and wears a dark hat that casts shadows across her face, partially obscuring her features. She holds aloft a long staff topped with what appears to be a crown or halo, and rests one hand on a small lamb nestled at her side.
Around the figure are several cherubic figures, seemingly engaged in acts of reverence. Two hover above, holding the aforementioned crown, while others appear to offer floral garlands or gestures of adoration. A flock of sheep surrounds the seated woman, contributing to the overall pastoral theme and suggesting themes of care and protection. The landscape behind her is rendered with a degree of naturalism, featuring trees and foliage that frame the scene.
The color palette is dominated by blues, reds, and whites, creating a sense of serenity and grandeur. The artist’s use of light highlights the central figure, drawing attention to her role as a benevolent guide or protector. The presence of the lambs reinforces this notion, symbolizing innocence and vulnerability under her care.
Subtly embedded within the scene are indications of religious significance. The crown atop the staff suggests divine authority, while the cherubic figures evoke heavenly realms. The pastoral setting itself is often associated with biblical narratives and themes of salvation. The composition’s arrangement – the central figure surrounded by symbols of innocence and divinity – implies a role of spiritual guidance or intercession. The inscription at the bottom provides further context, identifying her as The Divine Shepherdess, solidifying the religious undertones of the work.