Retablo 1935 - 1942

This watercolor retablo was made by an anonymous artist. Retablos are devotional paintings, especially popular in Latin America, that serve as votive offerings or expressions of gratitude to a saint. This retablo depicts Saint Joseph holding the infant Jesus. Joseph is often seen as a humble, working-class figure, a carpenter, which stands in contrast to the divine status of his son. Here, the artist has given Joseph dignity through his posture. It is interesting to think about the role of such art within communities, where personal devotion intersects with communal identity. Retablos can be very personal objects, reflecting the unique experiences and needs of individuals who commission them. The act of creating or commissioning a retablo becomes a way of shaping religious narratives from the ground up, infusing them with personal and local significance.