Latin America, Mexico, ca. mid-20th century CE. A lovely ex-voto created by one Luis Ramirez to thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for curing his back injury. The text is obscured in part, but generally translates, "We give thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe, (my wife), mother-in-law, and myself . . . For alleviating (the pain) I had in my back. Luis Ramirez." The visual composition includes Luis, his wife, and mother-in-law kneeling in prayer before an altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The setting consists of a modestly furnished interior. We see a bed, presumably where Luis recovered, a side table with bottles and jars that most likely hold medicines and salves, and a cross prominently displayed over the headboard. An endearing example of this genre of Mexican folk art. Size: 9.5" L x 11.375" W (24.1 cm x 28.9 cm)

Ex-votos, are devotional paintings that bear a semblance to retablos, only they also include a written narrative offering thanks to a saint for coming to a family’s aid. The term is short for the Latin phrase ex voto suscepto meaning “from the vow made.” Oftentimes, gratitude is expressed for curing an ill child, expediting the recovery of an elderly family member, the safe return of a soldier, or the rescue of a victim from some horrific accident or crime. The petitioner dedicates a small painting with a brief written testimonial to a beloved patron saint for granting a miracle. These hand-written stories together with their expressive visual scenes can be quite touching and dramatic.

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

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#109734

Surface wear with abrasions at the corners and paint loss as shown. Text is partially legible.