A NOTE of HISTORY OF RETABLO FOLK ART: Votive paintings in Mexico go by several names in Spanish such as “ex voto,” “retablo” or “lamina,” which refer to their purpose. The painting of religious images to give thanks for a miracle or favor received, is part of a long tradition started in Europe. The form that most votive paintings take from the colonial period to the present was brought to Mexico by the Spanish. As in Europe, votive paintings began as static images of saints or other religious figures which were then donated to a church. Later, narrative images, telling the personal story of a miracle or favor received appeared. These paintings were first produced by the wealthy and often on canvas; also on wood; however, as sheets of tin became affordable, lower classes began to have these painted on this medium. The narrative version on metal sheets is now the traditional and representative form of votive paintings. Though some ex votos have been painted by the person receiving the miracle, most are made by retableros: commissioned artists who interpret people's stories and produce these tokens of appreciation to be placed/hung on church walls or shrines, reinforcing the owner's devotion and gratitude. These lovely miracle paintings are in fact advertisements of the power and mercy of the saints. Due their proliferation, especially in the 18th and 19th century, many older votive paintings have left the places they were deposited and found their way into public and private collections.
DETAILS:
- 10 3/4" x 8 3/4"
- Hand-painted in Mexico
- Dated 1953
My Translation:
Virgin Mary of Guadalupe On the 11th of December, on my way to the Guadalupe ranch for the celebration and fiesta (party) for your day I suffered a tremendous fall from my horse and fell among some rocks. I felt a great pain, from which I thought I would never rise, but my faith in you let me get up and I quickly realized that I had not broken even one bone and found myself healthy. I gave your thanks and arrived at your fiesta happier than ever because you were with me. Thanks Rogelio Mundez, Puebla 1953