Gabino Reyes: Donkey with Baby Our Lady of Guadalupe Woodcarving
Gabino Reyes: Donkey with Baby Our Lady of Guadalupe Woodcarving
This remarkable carving by Gabino Reyes blends artistry, faith, and storytelling into a single work. At first glance, you see a sweet donkey and her playful foal, carved in copal wood and accented with delicate, hand-painted details. But look closer, on the mother’s belly is a finely carved and painted image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, radiant and revered. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the patroness of Mexico, whose 1531 apparition to Saint Juan Diego has inspired devotion, identity, and hope across generations.
In this piece, Gabino combines devotion and folk imagery: the donkey symbolizes service and humility, while the Virgin image brings protection and grace. The result is a tender tribute to motherhood, faith, and Oaxacan craft.
