Mexican Tin Retablo Ex-Voto — Dated 1967, Guanajuato

A hand-painted tin retablo in the classic Mexican ex-voto tradition, dated October 1967 and originating from Rincón de Tamayo, Guanajuato. The octagonal-cornered panel depicts the Crucifixion of the Señor de la Clemencia — Christ on the cross flanked by sweeping red theatrical curtains and floral garlands — with two kneeling supplicants rendered in the lower left foreground.

The hand-lettered inscription below the image records the offering in full:

En Octubre de 1967 Teniendo mi hijito de 2 años enfermo de Polio, en esa tribulacion pedi de corazon al Sr de la Clemencia que le mandara su alibio y viendo que ya empiesa a dar pasos le doy infinitas gracias, per su milagro. Rincon de Tamayo Gto.

Prometio Raquel Medina.

Translation:

"In October of 1967, with my little son of 2 years ill with polio, in that tribulation I prayed from my heart to the Lord of Clemency to send him relief, and seeing that he is already beginning to take steps, I give him infinite thanks for his miracle. Rincón de Tamayo, Guanajuato.

Promised by Raquel Medina."

Raquel Medina prayed to the Lord of Clemency for his recovery; seeing him begin to walk again, she offered this retablo in gratitude. The period spellings (alibio, empiesa) are original to the hand and are part of the document's authenticity.

CONDITION

Good. The painted face retains strong color and the composition reads clearly, with age-appropriate wear throughout. The tin substrate shows oxidation on the reverse along with pinhole-size and larger perforations consistent with age and prior display conditions.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Height: 9"
• Width: 6"
• Substrate: Tin (sheet metal), clipped octagonal corners
• Medium: Oil or enamel paint on tin
• Inscribed date: October 1967
• Origin: Rincón de Tamayo, Guanajuato, Mexico
• Donor named: Raquel Medina
• Subject: Señor de la Clemencia (Crucifixion)
• Reverse: Oxidation; estate label present
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale