Ex-Voto; Giving Thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Retablo, dated 1927

Ex Voto; Giving Thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe, dated 1927. Anonymous Mexican artist with a contemporary custom frame handcrafted by artisan Michael Blatnik.

The text reads:"La Senora Gloria Flores agresdese a la Virgen de Guadalupe por un favor que la fou Recalido en su casa donde es las gracias a su favor. gracias madre. 1-12-1927."

Translation from Spanish:Mrs. Gloria Flores gives thanks to Our Lady of Guadalupe for a favor received in her home, where she offers her gratitude. Thank you, Mother. 1-12-1927"

What is an ex-Voto?
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.