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Ex votos were devotional offerings traditionally left at churches and shrines as expressions of gratitude, prayer, or petitions for divine assistance. Metal ex votos became particularly widespread in Italy during the late 19th century; scholarly discussion of Italian laminae ex voto notes that flat silver examples began to be industrially produced around 1880, alongside pieces that continued to be handmade using traditional repoussé techniques.
This example is especially charming for its mother-and-child imagery, making it a wonderful addition to a collection of antique religious objects, Catholic devotional art, European folk art, ex votos, or curiosities.
Details:
- Circa 1880s / late 19th century
- Ex voto devotional offering
- Depicts a woman/mother and baby in basket or cradle
- Silver-tone metal
- European/Italian devotional tradition
- Wonderful aged patina
- Unusual mother-and-child subject
- Suitable for display or an ex voto collection
Condition:
Antique condition with expected age-related patina, oxidation, surface wear, discoloration, bending and/or other imperfections consistent with a piece of this age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Please Note: The metal has not been tested for silver content unless otherwise stated. It is therefore described as silver-tone/silver-colored metal rather than sterling silver. Dating and origin should also be presented as attributed unless you have documentation or identifying marks establishing them.
