Durand-RETABLOSTHEORYPRACTICE-1995 (1)

Overview of Retablos

• Retablos: Votive paintings popular among Mexican migrants, often depicting miraculous events or divine interventions.

• Ex-votos vs. Santos: Both are painted on tin but differ significantly in conceptualization and execution.

  • Santos: Faithfully reproduce European icons.

  • Ex-votos: Depict diverse life situations and encourage personal expression.

• Physical Characteristics:

  • Rectangular shape, sizes range from 18 sq in to 280 sq in, common sizes around 140 sq in and 70 sq in.

Elements of Ex-votos

• Composition: Composed of three core elements:

  • A holy image, often located to one side and depicted in clouds.

  • A graphic representation of threatening occurrences or miraculous events.

  • A text explaining the context and circumstances surrounding the event.

• The holy image’s representation is less strict compared to santos; context often clarifies identity.

Textual Components

• Location: Text typically appears at the bottom of the retablo.

  • Begins with "doy gracias" (I give thanks), stating the donor's origin and recounting the miraculous event.

• Length & Detail: Mexican retablo texts are more detailed compared to European counterparts, which are often brief (just the word ex-voto, date, and donor's initials).

  • Mexican texts express gratitude, clarity about miraculous events, and emotional depth.

Artistic Techniques

• Emotional Expression: Artists use various techniques to enhance the dramatic portrayal of events:

  • Color: Bright and bold colors to reflect the intensity of emotions.

    • Use of luxurious reds, deep blues, and pastel backgrounds.

    • Colors often illuminate intense actions and events.

  • Space Manipulation: Deliberate distortion of scale and perspective to enhance drama.

    • Tiny humans against large divine figures highlight helplessness.

  • Temporal Representation: Multiple moments of an event depicted simultaneously, enhancing psychological impact.

  • Stage Motifs: Use of theatrical elements to illustrate action and emotion.

    • Represents critical situations as if on a stage with curtains and props.

  • Modern Techniques: Integration of photographs, photocopies, and commercial images for authenticity.

Thematic Representation

• Powerful Emotions: Retablos encapsulate strong emotions—fear, gratitude, relief, sorrow—on small painted surfaces.

  • Depictions range from dire circumstances to moments of joy following miraculous events.

• Significance of Retablos: Viewed as a vital form of folk art; they convey profound truths and the miraculous nature of reality.

  • Insight into the spiritual and cultural landscape of Mexican migrants, and the emotional intensity of their experiences.