Simon Pereyns

In 1566, he moved to Mexico where he gained fame as a painter of numerous works, most of which have not survived.

According to one, the altar received its name because Pereyns, while in jail accused of blasphemy, painted a beautiful image of the Virgin Mary, whereby he earned forgiveness.

Another spurious legend attributed this painting to an unknown master working at the behest of a Jewish patron.

This patron supposedly commissioned the painting to give himself the pleasure of hanging it in his horse stable.

After he was deposed and tortured by the Inquisition, he was ordered to paint a Virgin de los Remedios for the cathedral.