Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1880 CE. A very fine retablo, hand painted on heavy gauge tin, depicting Saint Raymond Nonatus (San Ramon Nonato). The visage on this particular example is quite fetching - so finely painted with wonderful modeling. San Ramon is a popular subject of Mexican retablos traditionally depicted as a Mercedarian cardinal. He carries his personal attributes including a palm with three crowns signifying chastity, eloquence, and martyrdom ringing it, despite the fact that he was tortured and not actually martyred. He also holds a monstrance which symbolizes his receiving communion from the hands of an angel when dying.

San Ramon Nonato is known as the patron of midwives and women giving birth, because he was born via caesarean at the time of his mother's demise. Nonatus literally means "not born." He is also praised as the patron saint of falsely accused innocents, due to his work to ransom prisoners. Sometimes San Ramon Nonato is depicted with a padlock on his lips or with his lips rubbed away signifying his other purpose as the patron of silence. According to tradition, if one wishes to end gossip, one should rub the mouth of Saint Ramond Nonatus. Size: 14" L x 10" W (35.6 cm x 25.4 cm)

Retablos, known as ‘laminas’ in Mexico, are small 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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#111737

Minor nicks to peripheries/corners as shown. Otherwise intact with normal surface wear and oxidation.