Auction Archive

EXVOTO, RETABLO OF A PERSON SCARED BY UFO, MEXICAN ART

 Ex votos, or retablos are an important part of Mexico's religious culture. The ex-votos are commissioned by the family member or close relatives when somebody is suffering an illness, or other serious event that requires divine intervention.  They are usually painted on tin by amateur artists. The exvotos express gratitude to the Saint or Virgin who intervened in helping the person get well or to solve a difficult situation. The exvotos are placed by the worshipper who wishes to give thanks, in the Church's wall close to the image of the revered Saint. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, liked to collect old ex-votos and they can still be admired at Frida's house-museum in  Mexico city.This old ex-voto or  retablo is painted on tin and is dedicated to Saint Judas Tadeo. It was commissioned by a person who was scared by a flying saucer who got very sick as he thought that he would be abducted. The text translates as follows: "I offer with all my heart this exvoto to Saint Judas Tadeo for having listened to my prayers and who made the miracle of getting my health back because one day as I was coming back home on the road I was scared by a flying saucer and I got very sick as I thought it was going to take me away. I am infinitely grateful with all my heart. Mr. Leonardo Chavez. Jerez, Zac. 19 of October 1977". This ex-voto measures 7" (17.7 cm) x  5.9" (15 cm).