Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 19th century CE. A fine antique Mexican retablo depicting Santa Librata in rich jewel tones on heavy gauge tin, set on a wood mount and wired for suspension. 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. She wears elaborate robes and a crown of foliage. Her head is tilted to one side as she smiles sweetly and tears stream down her face. Size: 14.25" L x 10.375" W (36.2 cm x 26.4 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 any one of 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: private California, USA collection

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#134971

Some creasing on the right side. Slight losses to upper left and lower right corners. Expected surface wear with areas of oxidation - commensurate with age. Tiny perforations at upper right and lower left corners, upper center and lower center edges from previous attachment.