Retablos are paintings that give thanks.

Gratitude Retablos show gratitute for protection or healing or a blessing.

1. Images of something for which the artist is thankful. 2. Written words describing the event or object of gratitude. 3. A Saint who is associated with certain life situations Retablos are painted scenes on tin that include: 3 PARTS

In this retablo, the artist is thanking the Saint Virgin of Guadelupe who is the Queen and Sovereign of Heaven for helping him reach his goal of owning his truck and store. He asks the Saint not to ever abandon him.

In this retablo, the artist is thanking the Holy Child of Soccer because his team is going to the World Cup!!

RETABLO TRANSLATION — “I give thanks to the Virgin of San Juan of the Lakes and to Christ the King of the Mountains for the miracle granted of restoring my father’s health. During the 6 months of being ill with an illness, a dangerous one. He was going to be operated on and that was not

This Retablo is dedicated to the Virgen de Guadalupe and the translation of the story written in Spanish is: "Therese gives thanks to the Virgen de Guadalupe for her safe watch over them always."

Retablo artists Most Retablos were painted by neighborhoo d retableros. A few were painted by famous Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Frida Kahlo drew this retablo telling the story of her bus accident and her serious injuries.

Another artist painted the same retablo giving thanks to the Virgin Dolores for having saved Frida’s life from the accident that occurred in Frida repainted the face of the injured woman to look like hers.

This retablo painted by Diego Rivera, thanked one of his (or Frida Kahlo’s) doctors for helping, 1940.

Patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life. These areas can include occupations, illnesses, churches, countries, causes -- anything that is important to us. What is a Patron Saint? Why were they used in Retablos?

There are thousands of Saints each with an important cause. Francis of Assisi loved nature and so he is patron of ecologists. Francis de Sales was a writer and so he is patron of journalists and writers.

Retablo means behind the alter The finer and most decorative retabloes are often placed in churches behind their alters as declaration of thanksgiving

Retablos are hung on outside walls of churches and …

Local community areas.

Frida kept a collection of ex-votos or retablos, paintings offered in thanks to saints. Many people collect retablos like these in Frida Kahol’s Mexican home.

Elements of a Retablo  Topic: Expression of something someone is thankful for / a blessing that has been given  Painted in bright colors on Tin  Image of event or object of gratitude  Image of Saint  Written words relating details of event and thankfulness