Surviving the Fall. Late 19th to early 20th Century Ligurian Ex-Votos

These ex-votos (“Per Grazia Ricevuta” or PGR, in Italian) are popular expressions of religious gratitude and public testimony of faith, from the northern Italian region of Liguria. The scenes depict people surviving a fall from buildings, scaffoldings or trees and they always show the presence of the Virgin Mary.

Images and legends via the very recommended visual blog Chaudron.

ex-voto-01-a-bricklayer-falls-from-the-roof-september-3-1898

A bricklayer falls from the roof. September 3, 1898. Genoa-Sestri, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora Virgo Potens. Oil on canvas, cm 55×33.

A bricklayer falls from the roof. September 3, 1898 (particular).

ex-voto-03-a-worker-falls-from-scaffolding-may-3-1913-particular

A worker falls from scaffolding while working on the construction of an electrical substation. May 3, 1913 (particular).

ex-voto-04-a-worker-falls-from-scaffolding-may-3-1913

A worker falls from scaffolding while working on the construction of an electrical substation. May 3, 1913. Genoa-Voltri, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie. Oil on canvas, cm 60×40.

ex-voto-05-man-falls-from-balcony-october-15-1874

Man falls from balcony. October 15, 1874. Ceranesi, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Guardia. Oil on canvas.

ex-voto-06-man-falls-from-balcony-another-version

Man falls from balcony (another version). Genoa, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Monte. Oil on canvas, cm 50×40.

ex-voto-07-man-falls-from-balcony-march-24-1929-particular

Man falls from balcony. March 24, 1929 (particular). Genoa-Sestri, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia sul monte Gazzo.

ex-voto-08-man-falls-from-balcony-march-24-1929

Man falls from balcony. March 24, 1929. Genoa-Sestri, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia sul monte Gazzo. Oil on glass, cm 43×34.

ex-voto-09-child-falls-from-a-window-nineteenth-century

Child falls from a window. Nineteenth century. Megli, Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Oil on canvas, cm 30×35.

ex-voto-10-worker-falls-from-a-window-september-27-1928

Worker falls from a window. September 27, 1928. Genoa, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Monte. Tempera on cardboard, cm 50×36.

ex-voto-11-a-little-girl-falls-from-seventh-floor-july-14-1879

A little girl falls from seventh floor, landing in a basket of vegetables. July 14, 1879. Genoa, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Monte. Oil on canvas, cm 39×34.

ex-voto-12-man-falls-from-tree-eighteenth-century

Man falls from tree. Eighteenth century. Megli, Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Oil on board, cm 25×22.

ex-voto-13-man-falls-from-a-ladder-january-23-1875-particular

Man falls from a ladder. January 23, 1875. Genoa-Sestri, Sanctuary of Nostra Signora della Misericordia sul monte Gazzo. Oil on board, cm 38×49 (particular).