Retablo painting on tin, Mexico, ca. 1900, depicting a woman kneeled in prayer at the bedside of her husband or son, expressing devotion and appreciation to a deified figure – presumably Saint Raphael, the patron saint of healing – for protecting his health. Faint pencil notations along the lower margin. Rusting and deterioration throughout, losses and chipping to paint, particularly to the right. Overall very good.  10 x 7.15 inches (25.4 x 18.1 cm.).

Retablos and ex-votos incorporate iconography derived from traditional Catholic church art, illustrating holy imagery of Christ, the Virgin Mother or one of the hundreds of patron saints. Many are a visual embodiment of the story that led to their commission, depicting one's survival from a threatening event or precarious situation, accredited to the intercession or protection by a sacred figure.