The Blue To White Sgraffito Black Legend Ex-voto Painter (Matthew Couper), Ex-voto, c.1880, oil on tin, 7 Image Courtesy of Couper Russ Studios.

Uncover Hidden Masters

Retablos & Ex-Votos at Los Anónimos Identificados

By Laura Henkel

Good news for all you art enthusiasts—especially if you’ve got a soft spot for history and culture! The Los Anónimos Identificados exhibition at Couper Russ Studios in Las Vegas has captivated visitors since day one and is sticking around a little longer. Initially set to close on July 20, this fascinating showcase is now extended through September 27. The buzz is real!

So, what’s causing all this excitement? Los Anónimos Identificados is not just any exhibit—it’s a deep dive into the mesmerizing world of Retablos Santos and ex-votos. These beautifully detailed religious paintings on tin were all the rage in Mexico from the 1840s to the 1930s. For years, they were dismissed as mere folk art, but here’s the twist: they’re finally getting the spotlight they deserve. Thanks to detective work by scholars and passionate collectors, we’re beginning to uncover the artists’ identities behind these works. It’s the first exhibition of its kind, connecting names to these once-anonymous masterpieces. Honestly, it’s pretty thrilling to see history rewritten before our eyes.

You’ll encounter works by 23 artists who were, until recently, completely unknown. Check out the unique styles of The Calligraphic Line Painter, The Bee-Stung Lip Painter, and The Red Bole Group. Quirky names, right? But these are seriously talented individuals who brought their flair to the canvas—much like Renaissance masters, but with a Mexican twist.

Here’s some backstory: Couper Russ Studios has been trying to collect these works since 2007. A close relationship with the late James Caswell, a seasoned collector and dealer, fueled their passion. Caswell’s expertise was a game-changer. With his guidance, Couper Russ Studios expanded the list of recognized artists from 55 to over 70—a pretty impressive feat, wouldn’t you say? Per the proprietors, “It’s rewarding to see dialogue opening up around the importance of attributing artworks to specific artists who each had their unique styles. We enjoy sharing these culturally significant works with a wider audience.”

So, if religious art piques your interest—or love discovering hidden gems in art history—this is an exhibition you can’t miss. It’s more than just admiring beautiful paintings; it’s about connecting with a rich cultural tradition and finally getting the recognition it deserves. Who knows—this could be the start of even more exciting discoveries.

Mark your calendar and catch Los Anónimos Identificados before it wraps up on September 27. You’ll need to set up an appointment to see these incredible works. Just drop them a line at contact@couperruss.com, and you’re all set. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. For more details, check out the exhibition’s webpage.

Above from left: Geronimo de Leon, also known as the Chronological Painter, Ex-Voto, c. 1895, oil on tin, 7 Image Courtesy of Couper Russ Studios. The Cruz de Animas Queretaro Workshop (Matthew Couper), including the Worried Painter (Sidsie Davis), later discovered to be Taducio Basquez (James Caswell) also The Red Robe Painter (James Caswell) Image Courtesy of Couper Russ S. Couper Russ Studios Image Courtesy of Couper Russ Studios.