According to legend, in 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego on the Mexican hill of Tepeyacac. As proof of her visit, she miraculously imprinted her image upon his mantle. That image, Our Lady of Guadalupe, has become a symbol of national consciousness in Mexico. Yet its notable features include European artistic techniques. Looking beyond the divine explanation for the Lady's existence, author John Moffitt uses historical and artistic detective work to determine the work's earthly origin. Originally published in Spanish, this volume provides an in-depth study of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It places the work within the context of art history as well as local contemporary events. The mundane origin of the painting is fully traced and investigated as well as the proliferation of the legend which led to the eventual canonization of Juan Diego. Appendices provide crucial related Spanish-language texts by Miguel Sanchez and Luis Laso de la Vega. Numerous illustrations are included.