This wooden pocket-sized retablo by Lynn Garlick features St. Gertrude Nevilles, a Patron Saint of Cats and Cat Lovers, invoked against Rodents. St. Gertrude was born in 626 AD in Belgium to Itta and Pepin of Landen. Displayed in homes to honor the saint or given as gifts of fortune and inspiration, retablos reflect a beloved historical tradition and cultural artistry. This retablo features St. Gertrude along with her name and corresponding spiritual attributes.
The retablo, or ʻboard behind the altarʼ, was originally created in New Mexico in the 1800ʼs in response to the lack of Bibles and Icons being sent from the church in Rome. The Santero (saint maker) painted retablos from pigment collected and ground from the local surroundings.
