Here we have an epic Ex Voto retablo painting showing and describing an event where a man named Gaudencio went to Catemaco for a cleansing from sorcerer when he was attacked by an alligator. This is so wild. Since he escaped the alligator, he thanked Saint Ignatius of Loyola….and not the sorcerer. This retablo highlights the blending of Catholicism and folk beliefs in Mexico, which is a gold mine of a tale. Gaudencio sought help from both a sorcerer and a Catholic saint. He wanted it all! And the alligator wanted him. What an amazing story.
Here’s the translation of the transcription:
"Gaudencio Mendes offers this retablo to Saint Ignatius of Loyola for not letting him be caught by a lizard/alligator in Catemaco in the year 1928 when he went to have a cleansing with a sorcerer."
Here is more background on Catemaco:
Catemaco is a city in the south of the Mexican state of Veracruz. It serves as the municipal seat for the municipality of the same name. The city is located on Lake Catemaco, with the municipality stretching north to the Gulf of Mexico. Catemaco is a tourist destination, with its main attractions being the lake, remnants of the region's rainforest and a tradition of sorcery/witchcraft that has its roots in the pre-colonial period and is mostly practiced by men. This tradition is well-known in Mexico and attracts clients from various walks of life, including businessmen and national-level politicians. Catemaco holds an annual event in March dedicated to sorcery, which can draw up to 5,000 visitors.
The antique ex voto painting comes out of the estate of a serious Mexican art collector in Iowa.
The antique Ex Voto measures 9" tall by 11" wide. There is evidence of age throughout the painting (see pics), specifically the the surface rust on the front and reverse. The unframed piece has rough and uneven edges along the top. None of it takes away from the power of the piece and this wild story. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship FedEx shipping to street addresses in the continental USA only (no PO Boxes). Free shipping on the amazing antique Mexican art.
He was running so fast he lost his hat. I don’t blame him.
