Cindy Duff 2015 Mosaic Retablo – Virgin of Guadalupe

Beautifully crafted mosaic retablo by New Mexico folk artist Cindy Duff, signed and dated 2015 on the verso. This striking wall-mounted piece depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe in a hand-painted ceramic medallion, surrounded by deep cobalt and sky-blue tile, glass cabochons, and raised star elements. Duff’s distinctive Southwestern mixed-media style is fully evident here—rich color, sculptural texture, and devotional iconography combined in a shaped wooden form.

CONDITION

Excellent condition, with no visible losses to tile, grout, or ceramic elements. Surfaces appear clean and undisturbed, consistent with a piece that has likely never been displayed. Please review photos for closer detail.

DIMENSIONS

20 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (Height x Width x Depth)
Weight: 8 lbs 7 oz
Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo

Artist Bio — Cindy Duff

Cindy Duff is an American artist whose work reflects a strong sense of design and an appreciation for natural materials. Active since at least the late 20th century, Duff has created artworks that blend handcrafted structure with organic elements, often drawing inspiration from the landscapes and architectural traditions of the American Southwest. Her pieces show a careful attention to texture, composition, and environmental detail, using materials such as wood, stone, and botanicals to build dimensional scenes with a warm, rustic character.

Though known primarily for her mixed-media and handcrafted works, Duff’s style demonstrates an early connection to themes of regional heritage and natural form. Pieces from the early 1990s, such as this signed adobe hacienda diorama, illustrate her thoughtful approach to storytelling through miniature environments and tactile materials.