Ex Voto: Oil On Panel, Scene Of Healing

A beautiful ex-voto, an oil painting on wood dated 1897, depicting a woman praying at the foot of her sick child’s bed; the Virgin Mary with the Child appears and grants her request for grace: the healing of her child.
The Virgin appears to be holding a pouch in her right hand, presumably for the healing of the sick child.

A genuine tradition of folk art (Mediterranean region, mainly in Spain and Italy) linked to Christianity, the ex-voto is a votive offering made in response to a request or in thanksgiving for a grace received following a prayer or a vow (votum) made for such purposes as healing, childbirth, good health of livestock, a prosperous agricultural year, etc.

The ex voto was commissioned from an artist,
often one who traveled from town to village.

The notation “V.F.G.R.” preceding the date 1897 refers to the votive formula signifying the fulfillment of a vow and gratitude for a grace received (Voto Fatto, Grazia Ricevuta).

Dimensions: 29.5 x 25.5 cm

Good condition, with some cracking in the oil paint due to the passage of time and the expansion/contraction of the wood (a seasonal hygrometric phenomenon).
Wood is sound. Colors are fresh.

From a fine collection of ex-votos.