19th Century San Cayetano Antique Mexican Retablo #154

$ 1,400.00

  • 19th Century San Cayetano Antique Mexican Retablo
  • In Mexico, San Cayetano is venerated as the Patron Saint for gamblers, document controllers, the unemployed, and was often entreated for good fortune (especially in games of chance).
  • In this rare 19th century antique Mexican folk retablo, San Cayetano is depicted with all of his attributes; his heavily ornamented chain is a reference to his rejection of wealth. Other symbols are the Sacred Cross, the Crown of Thorns (a symbol of Christ's crown of thorns of Holly Oak, which is said to be the same tree as the Cross), a Crown of Roses (a symbol of Martyrdom; Wreaths of Roses worn by Angels and Saints are indicative of Heavenly Joy) and White Lilies (a symbol of Purity). 
  • Gaetano dei Conti di Thiene (October 1, 1480 – August 7, 1547), was an Italian Catholic priest and religious reformer, who helped found the Theatines Order. Born to a family of wealth and influence, Cayetano studied law in Padua, receiving his degree as doctor utriusque juris (i.e., in civil and canon law) at age 24. In 1506 he worked as a diplomat for Pope Julius II, with whom he helped reconcile the Republic of Venice. But he was not ordained a priest until the year 1516.
  • With the death of Pope Julius II in 1513. Cajetan withdrew from the papal court and founded several hospitals for incurable disease. His interests were devoted to spiritual healing beyond the physical. The year 1540 found him in Venice, and from there he extended his work to Verona. He founded a bank to help the poor and offer an alternative to usurers (loan sharks). It later became the Bank of Naples.
  • He is known as the Patron Saint of Argentina.
  • Saint Cajetan's feast day is celebrated on August 7.
  • Retablo dimensions are approx. 14 inches vertical x 10 inches horizontal. 
  • Condition: in overall good, original condition with some minor paint loss, bending and religious candle burns acquired over more than a century of use and devotional prayer.