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Comments Posted 01.27.13 | PERMALINK | PRINT

Ex-votos, visual expressions to God for the power of a healing miracle, are most often found in Latin America and Mexico. Believers usually depict the injury or illness by painting on tin, wood or canvas. Often the particular body part that is afflicted is carved from wood, with the specific injured area painted red as if it were blood. Ex-votos are almost always combined with three key elements: a narrative section to describe the situation; a depiction of God, Jesus or the Holy Mother; and the malady or situation that is being prayed for.


Ex-voto praying for monster-sized baby. Oil on metal, 8.5 x 12.25 inches, dated 1916.



Ex-voto believed to be by "The Almond Eye Painter," Oil on metal, 10 x 7 inches, dated 1884?



The "Story of Modesta Fernanda." Oil on metal. 10 x 7 inches, dated 1897.



Ex-voto carving from Brazil, prayer for injury or disease on face. Carved and polychromed wood, 8.5 tall by 5.5 inches wide x 3 inches deep. Circa 1900. John Foster Collection.



Ex-voto dedicated to The Holy Virgin who saved Melquiades Arreola from near death after a fall from a Mulberry Tree. Oil on metal. 20 x 14 inches, early 20th century.



Ex-voto attributed to Tadeucio Vasquez, "the worried painter.” Oil on metal. 7 x 10 inches, 1888.



Ex-voto, "Nino" Oil on metal, 10 x 14 inches, 1900.



Giving thanks for  an escape from collapsed roof," Oil on metal, 14 x 10 inches, circa 1920.



Ex-voto of encounter dedicated to the Virgin of Bethlehem (La Virgen de Belen); Oil on metal, 5.5 x 7.5 inches, dated 1887.



Prayer for safety from dog attack. Oil on metal, 10 x 14 inches, dated 1908.



Prayer for regained health after being thrown from wild horse. Oil on metal, 7 x 10 inches, dated 1922.



Prayer to the Virgin of Guadalupe for the health of child who hurt finger on the Singer Sewing Machine. Oil on metal, 8.5 x 12 inches, dated 1931.



Anonymous Ex-voto of group prayer for sick, bedridden man. Oil on metal. Circa 1875.



Prayer for man run over by stagecoach. Oil on wood, 9.25 x 12.5 inches, dated 1764.



Boy prays to crucified Jesus. Signed P. Montarallo, Oil on metal, 4.75 x 6.5 inches, dated May 22, 1951.



Prayer for safety of people run over by truck. Oil on metal, 11 x 7 inches, circa 1950.



Prayer for man dragged by horse over tumultuous river. Oil on tin, 14 x 10 inches, dated 1920.



Prayer for man being ground into hamburger by giant gear-like wheel. Oil on wood, 11 x 13.75 inches, dated 1881.



Couple prays to Black Jesus, "Cristo Negro." Oil on tin, 8 x 12 inches, circa 1940.



Man see's himself free after being falsely arrested. Oil on tin, 7 x 10 inches, dated 1923.



Ex-voto of woman praying and giving thanks to NS de los Lagos. Oil on tin, 7 x 10 inches, no date.



Prayer for boy to recover from operation. Oil on tin, 13.5 x 10.5 inches, dated 1969.



Brazilian Ex-voto carving of leg and foot, begging for cure to unknown problem. Wood, 10.5 x 9.5 inches, circa 1950.



Ex-voto giving thanks to 'El Señor de la Piedad.' The petitioner, having become gravely ill, and with pain, venerated the Cristo and was cured. Oil on tin, 10 x 7 inches, dated 1850.

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