Ex Voto; Miraculous Intervention of a Difficult Pregnacy, Retablo, 1869

Oil on tin with ink, circa 1869 by an anonymous Mexican artist with a contemporary custom frame hand-carved by artisan Michael Blatnik. Ex-Voto is 6 ½ x 9 ¾ inches and outside framed dimension is 14 ¼ x 17 ½ inches

En el ano de 1860, ae vido La Senora Dia Anacleto Rodriquez en pelligro de muerta porum parto malagrio, que no promentia senales de vida, y en trance tan antigido su esposo Senior Epimenio Manzano, implora de fe al Saint, Atocha por quien pu salva de peligro----------y esta enteramente some, y agradecidas ponen ente retablo a 6 de abril de 1869.

English translation of the Spanish; In the year 1860 Mrs. Dia Anacleto Rodeiquez was in danger of death due to a difficult pregnancy, which did not promise signs of a healthy birth, and her husband Mr. Epimenio Manzano implored his faith in the Saint Atocha (Santo Niño) by whom she (his wife) could be saved from danger----- and be completely cured, and gratefully place this retablo on April 6, 1869

When a person survived a life-threatening situation or personal calamity, they would subsequently hire an artist to depict their story of diving intervention. They were created to offer thanks to the saint or deity who healed them and were considered an object given as a fulfilment of a vow. Although ex-votos originated as simple images of saints, eventually they were embellished with a short narrative describing the miracle that transpired. Once completed, these accounts would hang in the church as public professions of gratitude or faith. After a year, the vow was considered fulfilled and the ex-voto would be destroyed or sold.
Diego Rivera and Frida Kaho were avid collectors of ex-votos and because of their interest this wonderful form of folk art became popular among artists and aficionados alike.