Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1850 CE. An antique retablo skillfully painted in oil on heavy gauge tin and depicting la Mater Dolorosa or N. S. de los Dolores (Sorrowful Mother or Our Lady of Sorrows). This image is one of the most important compositions in which Mary is depicted without Christ. She is represented as the mourning mother projecting a grieving attitude, her head covered with a blue veil, her hands clasped together and a dagger pointed at her breast - the key, distinguishing attribute of Mater Dolorosa. The artist of this example was a technically accomplished painter who could render such subtleties as the soft, smooth texture of the Virgin's skin and at the same time imbue the composition with stylistic flourish and significant details such as the golden rays emanating from her visage. A wondrous rendition! Size: 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm)
The scene references Luke 2:35. In this passage, Mary is told that a sword will pierce her soul upon presenting Christ to the temple. It reads as follows, "And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, 'Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'"
Provenance: ex-private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection
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#138133
Condition
Expected bending, tiny losses to edges, and surface wear with minor pigment loss commensurate with age. Otherwise excellent.