Antique Mexican Retablo Of Saint Francis (San Francisco De Paola). This is a rare portrait of Saint Francis holding a staff and wearing a robe covered with small black and white flower bouquets . It is an oil on tin technique , and measures approx 14” high and 10” wide. Although the retablo has experienced some heavy wear and tear over the years and there are scratches and discoloration parts on it, we can still appreciate the fine brush work and exquisite painting technique employed by the artist . His facial expression is one of sadness , devotion, humility and piety, his delicate hands expressive and gentle as he prays to God . On the upper left hand corner of the retablo , the word Caridad (charity) has been written in gold ink , some of the letters not being totally legible . Definitely an old painting (on tin!) made by an unknown artist in Chiapas, Mexico .