Latin America, Mexico, ca. early 20th century CE. This is an interesting tin ex-voto painted with a devotional scene as an offering to fulfill a vow, and a description of the miraculous event. A woman kneels beside a bed and presents her baby to the Virgin Mary. The traditional iconography of the virgin mother is used as she is shown in prayer wearing a golden Byzantine-style crown, a white gown, and a blue mantle above an upturned crescent moon floating in the air, illuminating the room with beams of light from the halo around her crown. The inscription at the bottom is in cursive, and although somewhat faded and difficult to read, it is possible to discern the date: June 17th, 1904. The woman is perhaps asking for healing for her child or showing gratitude for the recovery. Size: 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm)
Ex-votos are little story paintings indicative of healing or blessing popular in Mexican visual culture. This tradition was inspired by the Greeks and was brought to the New World by the Spaniards. These votive paintings were hung in a church or home in order to celebrate and give thanks for the recovery of an individual from an illness or dangerous situation. Hence, ex-votos represent the spiritual or physical gains received. These paintings include hand painted passages that relate the details of the cure or the rescue.
Provenance: private Lake City, Colorado, USA collection
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#163822
Condition
The inscription is faded and chipped, making areas illegible. Bending and losses to corners of the tin. Chipping and fading to painted scene. Perforation through lower edge. Pierced at top strung with cotton cord for suspension.