Mexican folk art ex-voto retablo oil painting on tin, dated 1928. An ex-voto, a latin phrase meaning "from the vow made", is a devotional painting made as a way to thank God, Mary, or a saint for helping disentangle someone from a sticky or dangerous situation. The painting often depicts the scenario that led to the devotee needing help in the first place. In this case the painting is an offering that roughly says: This retablo is dedicated to the Virgin of Soledad for saving our life when we were hit by lightning and when there was a fire in the sails and we were in danger of sinking. We pray to you for saving our lives. That's the reason that today we dedicate this retablo. Captain Medina. 22nd of August, 1928. Veracruz."
