Novo-Hispanic or Ecuadorian school; first half of the 18th century.
"Dolorosa".
Oil on canvas.
It presents slight restorations.
It has a Spanish frame of the XVIIIth century.
Measurements: 35,5 x 29 cm; 43 x 35 cm (frame).
This work follows the models of Sassoferrato who achieved a great fame thanks to his devotional images in which the Virgin was normally the protagonist. As in this particular case, the bust of the Queen of Heaven is shown in a humble and gentle manner, concentrated on her prayer, with her hands folded before her breast. Portrayed bust-length and against a black background, the Virgin's face emerges from the shadows in a delicate manner, with rosy skin on her cheeks, her forehead raised and her cheekbones rounded. Despite her gesture of concentration in prayer, with her eyelids drooping and her head tilted downwards, Mary is portrayed by the artist with a faint smile that adds great warmth to the scene. This image is modelled on what is known as the "Madonna at Praying", which became extremely popular and numerous works have emerged that follow this aesthetic model, such as the one in the Mauritshuis collection in The Hague. This shows the notoriety of the scene, which in this case is emphasised by the presence of the blonde hair that rests on the Virgin's shoulders, slightly tousled. The work depicts a Sorrowful Virgin, the representation of which has its roots in medieval times, and was particularly widespread among the Servite Order, founded in 1233.