Lot 147G
Latin America, Mexico, ca. early 20th century CE. An ex-voto dedicated to the Maria Cruz Ramirez, depicting a middle-aged couple dressed in their finest clothes kneeling in prayer toward the Virgin. Although the text has faded over the years, it seems as though they are appealing to her on behalf of their son who lives in the United States and with whom they communicate by letter. Unfortunately, it is not possible to decipher the text completely since it has faded in part. However the painting and the words that are decipherable ignite our curiosity. Are they asking for their son's safe return home? Has he fallen ill, and are they begging for his recovery? This ex-voto invites our imagination to put the pieces of the narrative together. Size: 10" L x 14" W (25.4 cm x 35.6 cm)
Ex-votos are narrative 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 placed adjacent to an image in order to celebrate and give thanks for the recovery of the donor from an illness or dangerous situation. In essence, ex-votos represent the spiritual or physical gains received by the donor. These paintings include hand painted passages that relate the details of the cure or the rescue. Oftentimes, however, this commentary is replete with regional dialect and difficult to translate. Nevertheless, if you are familiar with the Spanish language, you will probably get the gist of these anecdotal paintings.
Provenance: private Moore collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired thirty years ago
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#122026
- Condition: Perforations at top center for suspension. Expected surface wear with areas of paint loss and faded text.
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