Saints & Martyrs

From Mexico we have a large inventory of antique tin frames with original religious prints. Reaching back generations, the tinsmith tradition in Mexico is unrivaled. Imaginative tin artisans employed hand stamping, cutting, and punching techniques to create works of singular beauty. The lovely patina of aged tin adds to the appeal of these pieces. In Mexico a decorative tin frame goes by various names: lamina, nicho, retablo, or obra de hojalata.

Many of the frames are quite ornate in design. Some have a decorative crest called a copete or ramate that sits atop the frame box. Many also have tin side elements, known as orejas, Spanish for ears, that vary from simple embellishment to elaborate flourish. The front of the frame box often has side glass panels with colored metallic paper or reverse-painted glass designs. Within those frames that have deeper boxes the faithful often have added dried flowers, holy cards, photographs, and other personal mementos.

Mexican tin works are also notable for the religious prints that occupy the frames. Many of the lithographs date from the mid to late nineteenth century; later prints are color or offset lithographs, commonly known as estampillas or chromos. The European prints come from pages torn from prayer books and from the print portfolios of major European printers, such as Lieber and Turgis.

Nineteenth century Mexican printers, such as Murguia, led the production of indigenous images, especially those of Christ and Mary. These early lithographs usually take as their source the holy painting or statue that is venerated in a specific town or city. Thus, these are truly unique images as compared to later, popular depictions of Christ, Mary, and the saints.

Taken together, the decorative tin work tradition of Mexico and the popular religious prints of the day represent a powerful religious expression of a devout people. It is a tradition that passed along the Camino Real and greatly influenced the tinsmiths of New Mexico.

Saints & Martyrs · Religious Antiques ·