The first plate measures 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches, and depicts the infant Jesus with Mary. The caption (reversed) reads "R[etrat]o de la mui milagrosa ymagen de la N[uestr]a S[eñor]a de la Estrella fundacio del S'o Rei Ferna[n]do patron." It is signed by the Mexican engraver Antonio de Castro, perhaps best known for his memorable engraved title page to the 1698 Mexican imprint "Via lactea, seu vita candidissima S. Philippi Nerii." We have not traced the book where this image may have appeared. It has minor wear including light pitting, and the upper left corner is slightly bent. On verso is an accomplished early painted portrait of an unidentified older man; the paint on this image is somewhat worn. Offered with this first plate is a circular copper plate, 5 inches round, depicting Christ on the cross surrounded by Mary, angels, and other motifs. It is unsigned and its origin is unknown.
