|
Mi Casa Gallery has one of the finest collections of Latin America religious art in the United
States. We offer a unique line of devotional art, mainly from Mexico, consisting of antique paintings of Christian icons inspired by European masters. These paintings of oil on tinplate, copper, wooden
"tablas" and canvas are called
retablos santos, laminas, ex-votos. Rare votive art forms such as the ones in our collection were commissioned by faithful Roman Catholics and created by gifted local artists, many of whom had little formal artistic training. They were placed in private homes and chapels
Retablos is a word derived from Latin meaning "artwork of a religious or biblical theme," such as objects found "retro" (behind) the
"tabula" (altar) in churches and cathedrals throughout Mexico. In the 18th and 19th century, many citizens of the central highlands in Mexico were encouraged to place small votive images of the Holy Family, patron saints and martyrs on the walls of their homes or places of business as an act of faith.
Additional votive art at Mi Casa consists of santos or bultos (wood carved statues and ceramic figures) and
nichos (frames, shadow boxes and glass cabinets with religious images).
Mi Casa has assembled one of the largest
collections of museum quality votive art available in the Southwest.
We also have vintage crucifixes and crosses, medallions, and rosaries.
|
