Description:

Mexico, ca. 19th Century CE. An interesting antique Mexican retablo depicting Santa Librata. 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. 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, and palms shoot out from behind her head. She wears elaborate robes, a necklace, and a crown of roses. Her head is tilted to one side as she smiles sweetly. 10"x7" Provenance: ex-Ramone Kelley collection, CO. All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art.

  • Condition: Surface wear and some warping of tin. Two holes in top for suspension.

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March 14, 2014 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000