Rosangela Briscese

Graces Received: Painted and Metal Ex-votos from Italy Rosangela Briscese

Marc Notes: This book is the result of an exhibition by the same name at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute's Manhattan gallery, September 2011-January 6, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references. Publisher Marketing: Within Catholicism, ex-votos are votive objects presented in thanks for heavenlyintercession with a misfortune such as an accident or illness. This book features two typesof Italian ex-votos from the collection of Leonard Norman Primiano, dating from 1832to 1959: metal objects in the shapes of people, afflicted body parts, or hearts, and paintednarrative tablets depicting the dramatic moment of crisis for which intercession wasrequested. Collectively, the three essays address a history of ex-votos and their place withinCatholic thought, their creation and use by Italian Americans, and finally, the ex-votos' sociallife beyond their original religious context, in particular, as collectibles and inspiration forstudio-trained artists. Contributor Bio:  Sciorra, Joseph Joseph Sciorra is the associate director for academic and cultural programs at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, Queens College. He is editor of the journal "Italian American Review" and the book "Italian Folk: Vernacular Culture in Italian-American Lives".