Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1908. Hand painted on heavy gauge tin, a Mexican ex voto depicting four men on a railroad handcar, working to lay train tracks, while a boy sits at one end of the platform and another workman lies below the handcar in a prone position, with his hat before him and his head cradled in his arms - perhaps taking a rest, although a barrel to his right may allude to his possible drunken state. In the background are rolling hills and mountain peaks. Finally, a vision of the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos (of the Lakes) is at the upper right. The Holy Virgin Mary is crowned and enrobed in blue, gold, and white, standing upon a crescent moon and floating above clouds in all her hallowed presence. Below the composition is an inscription hand painted in gold on black. Although the frame covers some of the inscription, it is possible read that this ex voto concerns an event that happened in the state of Chihuahua on March 10, 1908. Size of ex voto: 13.5" W x 9.25" H (34.3 cm x 23.5 cm) Size of frame: 17.75" W x 13.5" H (45.1 cm x 34.3 cm)

Ex-votos are little story paintings indicative of healing or blessing popular in Mexican visual culture. This tradition was inspired by the Greeks and was brought to the New World by the Spaniards. These votive paintings were hung in a church or home in order to celebrate and give thanks for the recovery of an individual from an illness or dangerous situation. Hence, ex-votos represent the spiritual or physical gains received. These paintings include hand painted passages that relate the details of the cure or the rescue. Typically, however, this commentary is replete with regional dialect and difficult to translate. Nevertheless, if one is familiar with the Spanish language, you will likely get the gist of these anecdotal paintings.

Please note that the Lucite stand in photos is not included.

Provenance: ex-private Honolulu, Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Boston, Massachusetts, USA collection

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#163399

Ex voto presents with some age wear, stains, and scuffs. Set in a charming frame that may date later than the retablo. Although the frame covers some of the inscription, it is possible read that this ex voto concerns an event that happened in the state of Chihuahua on March 10, 1908. Frame shows normal age wear with a scuffs and chips commensurate with age. Minor perforations to gallery paper on verso. Wired for suspension.