Ex Voto; Holy Tribute for the Return of Good Health. Oil on tin with ink, February 9, 1944, anonymous Mexican artist with a contemporary custom frame hand-carved by artisan Michael Blatnik. Ex-Voto is 7 ½ x 6 ¾ inches and outer framed dimension is 15 ¼ x 14 ½ inches
Narciso Silva: da gracias a Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus. Por el grandisimo favor que le hizo de darje su salud, despues de una enfermedad que tuvo. Y en testimonio de gratitud le ofrezco el presente. San Miguel de Allende Febrero 9 de 1944
Translation: Narciso Silva gives thanks to Friar Antonio Margil of Jesús for the immense favor he did him by restoring his health after an illness. And as a token of his gratitude, he offers him this gift. San Miguel de Allende, (Mexico) February 9, 1944
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.
Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were avid collectors of ex-votos and because of their interest this wonderful form of folk art became popular among artists and aficionados alike.
