Latin America, Mexico, Spanish Colonial, ca. 1880 CE. A rare and finely painted 19th century Mexican oil on tin retablo depicting Santa Eduviges (Saint Hedwig) generously offering her riches to both a prisoner and a destitute pauper. Santa Eduviges, one of the more under-represented subjects of retablo art, was born in Bavaria, Germany, the daughter of the Duke of Croatia and Dalmatia. She married the Duke Henry of Silesia, the leader of the Polish royal family, at the age of twelve, and bore him seven children. By all reports, they had a joyous marriage before he passed away in 1238. Years later, she passed away in a convent and countless miracles were reported following her death. In 1266, she was canonized. The patron saint of brides and difficult marraiges, Santa Eduviges is known for her generosity. She altruistically gave to the sick, the poor, as well as the incarcerated. Here we see her outside the prison fitted in royal vestments of ermine and a golden crown (quite the "lady bountiful") attended by a loyal servant holding a tray of goodies, giving quite generously to the shackled prisoner and the shoeless old beggar who holds out his hat with her riches. A skillfully painted composition with detailed iconography to demonstrate this touching charitable theme. Size: 14" L x 10" W (35.6 cm x 25.4 cm)

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

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#111740

Normal surface wear with minor scratches as shown. Small nicks to a few corners and two perforations at top center for suspension.