Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1875 CE. A large antique Mexican retablo depicting Santa Librata. The legend of Santa Librata is a fascinating one. The daughter of a king, she was betrothed to a man she did not wish to marry, and so she took a vow of celibacy to prevent her impending marriage. The day after she took the vow, she sprouted a beard, and her suitor departed. Her angry father had her crucified, and that is how she is typically depicted. Here she is bound to a cross with ribbon, sans beard, and palms shoot out from behind her head. She wears elaborate robes, a necklace, and a crown of roses. Her head is tilted to one side as she smiles sweetly. Size: 14" L x 10" W (35.6 cm x 25.4 cm)

Retablos, known as ‘laminas’ in Mexico, are oil paintings, usually on heavy-gauge tin, depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Holy Family, the Holy Trinity, and a canon of patron saints, created with an engaging blend of folk-art and Baroque-inspired style deeply rooted in Spanish history. This unique tradition was introduced to Mexico by the Spaniards upon their arrival in the New World and was ultimately embraced by the indigenous population. The literal translation of the word retablo is "behind the altar," and the creation of this art form was motivated by a desire to worship a holy person or divine coterie in one's household and possess imagery that would ensure health, fertility, good fortune, and a rich harvest.

Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA.

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#111747

Intact with some restoration. Expected bending and surface wear. One perforation at top center for suspension.