San Antonio de Padua Hand Painted on Tin 19th Century
Anonymous Artisan
Retablos
Ht. 18" x W. 14"
Retablos, small devotional paintings, usually oil on tin, were brought to the new world by the Spanish, who taught indigenous artists. The quality of the painting is sometimes exquisite with expressive faces, sometimes more naïve and charming. Retablos are excellent examples of folk art. They were widely used over altars in churches or purchased by parishioners to hang in their homes.
San Antonio de Padua was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal and died in Padua, Italy. He was noted for powerful preaching and for his devotion to the sick and poor. He is the patron saint of lost things.