South America, ca. early 20th century. A fine milagro in the form of a heart adorned by myriad figures including Christ at the top, Satan accompanied by a serpent and a jaguar on the lower right, a winged angel holding a sword and skull, and a variety of other animals including a pig, a ram, a pheasant or peacock, a frog, a turtle, and a bird. The piece is comprised of high content .925 silver. This is a favored Spanish Colonial form skillfully crafted in the time honored tradition with beautiful hand chasing and repousse throughout. The word milagro translates to miracle or surprise. Milagros, also known as ex-votos, are religious folk charms used as votive offerings and for healing purposes in Mexico, other regions of Latin America, the southern United States, and sections of the Iberian peninsula. The faithful attach them to altars, shrines, and sacred objects such as church bells found in places of worship. Size and Weight: 4-5/8" x 4-5/8" at widest point, 1.7 ounces, 47 grams.

James Caswell shared a fondness for this artform, and commissioned Andean craftsmen to continue this tradition. He also waxed poetic about heart iconography. In his words, "Long considered the nucleus of physical and emotional well being, beliefs surrounding the heart have been a source of inspiration in music, literature, and art throughout history. The inclusion of an image of the heart in a painting meant passion for spiritual knowledge and it serves today as a universal symbol for giving and receiving. Popular phrases related to the heart exist in all languages. We say something cheerful, robust, or abundant is hearty, that someone kind-hearted is considerate, and something from the heart is sincere. Heart-felt, a lot of heart, or a good, big, warm-heart are highly desirable and heartlessness, a false, cold-heart, or a heart of stone should be carefully avoided. We say a brave-heart is courageous and an unblemished one is pure, while a broken heart means one suffers from an emotional loss. In Catholicism the sadness of the Virgin Mary over the death of her son is represented by a heart pierced by a dagger - or alternately seven, with each representing a distinct sorrow. When the heart is associated with Christ it refers to the symbolic role that his blood and suffering play in the holy communion whereas in today’s popular culture the heart is best known as a symbol of eros or romantic love.

Each piece in our heart collection is hand made by talented and skilled Andean craftsmen. These Aymara-speaking silversmiths continue an artistic tradition that was first practiced by their Huari and Incan ancestors over 1000 years ago. Following the 16th century Spanish conquest of the Incan empire the native silversmiths began producing highly refined European designs for the newly arrived Spanish noble class. Their magnificent production was also exported to Spain and the European continent.

Each heart is handcrafted using the chaise and repousse technique and without the use of molds. For this reason, though a design is repeated several times, no two will ever be identical. Each design can be purchased in small, medium, or large size. Price includes base. The bases are optional and if not needed their cost may be deducted from the selling price.



Provenance: Ex-Historia Antiques, James Caswell, Santa Monica, CA.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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