St Alban's Art Gallery!

Gallery Page #6

Retablos and Spiritual Paintings

St. Alban's Art Studio, your fine art supplier for over twenty five years!

Saint Michael the Archangel Retablo

A "retablo" (which means "behind the altar" is a primitive or amateur type of sacred art done for the church and for the home by the colonists of the American Southwest, Mexico, Central and South America in the 1700's to late 1800's. I do these reproductions of retablos for those who want to have a retablo but cannot afford an original. The originals are becoming harder and harder to find. St. Michael is the patron saint of bankers, grocers, paratroopers, radiologists and those in peril at sea. He is the angel which conquers Satan.

A Retablo of Saint Raymond Nonnatus (the "Not Born.")

St. Raymond is the patron saint of midwives and the falsely accused. He was especially called upon by people in the Southwest for protection agains Apache and Comanche raiders and against the Muslims, who all tortured their captives. St. Ramon was captured by the Muslims and tortured by having a hot poker driven through his lips and then having them padlocked, for the crime of converting the Muslims to Christianity.

Retablo of Nuestra Senora De Rosario

The Virgin Mary appeared to St. Dominic in the 12th Century and taught him how to pray the rosary. She is often called "La Naval" Because she was the patron saint of King Phillip of Spain's navy. She is petitioned in prayer for the acceptence of the dead into heaven and for peace and protection from accidents.

Retablo of St. Francis of Assissi

Done in the traditional method of oils on Tin. Saint Francis of Assissi is the well-known Italian saint who bore the "stigmata" the wounds of our Lord Jesus. He was famous for his charity to the poor and his vow of poverty. It was believed he could speak to animals and that he could heal the sick. San Francisco is named after his mission in California. The Franciscan Brotherhood is the Order he gave rise to and the Franciscans friars still have many working monestaries today.

Retablo of Jesus Christ the Savior

This beautiful Baroque study is done on masonite in oils. Purposefuly designed to look aged, it is typical of the style of art of the Santeros or Retableros of the 18th and 19th century. Jesus wears the same type of robe often seen on the Virgin of Guadalupe, representing the heavens and his rule over them. He also bears the Passionate Heart, on fire with love and surrounded by the crown of Thorns which is symbolic of the suffering he went through for love.

Retablo of The Virgin of Guadalupe

This is a copy I did of the famous Virgin of Guadalupe from Mexico after a modern artist (unknown). This image is one of the most reproduced images of any Santo. It was miraculously unveiled to a bishop in Mexico in the 1500's, supposedly imprinted by the Virgin herself on an Indian's cloak while he was gathering flowers for the church. However I have discovered a similar Virgin from a woodcut of the 1200's. That particular one has wings like an angel. So it is most likely that the famous Virgin was copied from this older work seen in a book by a local Indian artist and given to the church. The work was so delicate and beautiful the bishop probably claimed it was a miracle, as so few would believe primitive Indians capable of such graceful artwork. However these were Aztec indians and well adept at painting, sculpting and other art forms.

Feel free to write or call me for an appointment or to ask questions. Start by using my e-mail at the bottom of the page. Thanks!

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