The ex-votos that we offer are from the Southwest United States or Mexico. Occasionally, we receive a votive painting from Europe.
The ex-votos we offer are paintings, usually on tin, but sometimes on wood or cloth. An ex-voto is a votive offering to a saint or divinity in fulfilment of a vow (hence the Latin term, short for ex voto suscepto, "from the vow made") or in gratitude or devotion for a cure, rescue or miracle. Ex-votos are placed in a churchs or chapels where the worshipper seeks grace or wishes to give thanks.
In the past few years, ex-votos have become a highly collected art form to the extent that they are increasingly difficult to find, especially in good condition. Thus, their prices have risen accordingly.
We would like to provide a word of caution to buyers of ex-votos and even retablos. Newly painted ex-votos are being produced on old rusty tin. Also, old ex-votos are being reproduced on old tin by a photographic print process. Reproductions or fakes can be difficult to distinguish from genuine ex-votos. Be careful; know who you are buying from. There are many reproductions of ex-votos being sold as genuine on internet auctions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: A sickness had stuck the local animals. The parents of Maria Teresa Sena de Patiño had a cow and a calf that were among the sick. This retablo gives thanks to the Santa Cruz de la Gavia that the disease left and that the sick animals recovered.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Not easily read, but it appears that Aurelia Hernandez was gravely ill from a sore on her foot. Her husband, Bentura Luna in finding no relief for his wife, appealed to the Santa Cruz de la Gavia. His wife was soon cured.
#E538 PRICE: $250
DEVOTIONAL SUBJECT: San Antonio
Origin: Mexico
MATERIAL: Oil on tin.
APPROXIMATE SIZE: 5 X 7 inches
AGE: Dated 1906
CONDITION: Very good.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: In the year 1906 on 17 June, Tiofilo Pesendes was sick eith a strong pain in his head. With out remedy, and with all his heart he prayed to San Antonio de Pajua and the pain was relieved, and in gratitude of this marvel, I offer this retablo.
E563 $300
DEVOTIONAL SUBJECT: Crucified Christ
Origin: Mexico
MATERIAL: Oil on tin.
APPROXIMATE SIZE: 14 by 10 inches. A large ex-voto
AGE: Dated 1892
CONDITION: Very nice condition, no rust no scratches, or no paint flaking. The lettering is weak, but readable.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Blas Peres was gravely ill of strong pneumonia and could hardly find life. With his whole heart he asked the Crucified Christ for a miracle, and as a result of the miracle he and his family present this ex-voto.
E584 $375
DEVOTIONAL SUBJECT: Ou Lady of San Juan de los Lagos
Origin: Mexico
MATERIAL: Oil on tin.
APPROXIMATE SIZE: 16 by 12.5 inches. A very large ex-voto.
AGE: Dated 1948
CONDITION: Very good. The writing is weak but readable. The white splashes and streaks in the photo are the result of light reflecting off the plastic covering on the ex-voto.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: To Benito it happened that Thursday of Holy Week of 1948, began an epidemic in his cattle of 80 animals. 27 of them died, but he implored to Maria Most Holy who is adorning his church of San Juan de los Lagos, asking to take away the epidemic and it happened. For that reason he dedicates this retablo. Hacienda de Chinanpas, Jalisco. December 23, 1948
In the past few years, ex-votos have become a highly collected art form to the extent that they are increasingly difficult to find, especially in good condition. Thus, their prices have risen accordingly.
