**First Time At Auction**

Latin America, Mexico, ca. 19th Century CE. A fine antique Mexican retablo depicting St. Francis of Paola. Icons like these were placed above household altars to venerate the saints (retablo literally means "behind the altar"). The retablo became wildly popular in the 19th century due to the introduction of tin as an affordable medium. This example is brilliantly painted to depict St. Francis of Paola, founder of the Minim friars and performer of great miracles. Here St. Francis is shown holding a staff in his right hand and a rosary in his left. He wears the simple robes of his order, with a rainbow colored sunburst containing the word "Charity" in Spanish, located in the upper left corner of the icon. A light halo encircles the saint's head. Size: 6.8" W x 10" H (17.3 cm x 25.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Ramone Kelly collection, Denver, Colorado, USA

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#100435

Surface wear and some warping. Pinholes around perimeter for hanging.