New World, Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. early 19th century CE. A hand-carved and painted wood sculpture of the Pieta, dramatically displaying Mary's mournful state as she holds her dead son. Her head is raised upward, one arm out, as his body slumps against her. Both figures are sensitively carved, with Christ depicted as muscular and lean, and Mary's face and flowing clothing carefully and realistically rendered. The santo rests atop a round, dark wood pedestal. Size: 7" L x 8" W x 12.5" H (17.8 cm x 20.3 cm x 31.8 cm)

The Pieta is a common subject of Christian art, one of the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary that arose as a focus for devotion during the Middle Ages and that continues today as part of Marian worship. Mary holds her only son after he has been taken down from the cross, lamenting his death. This is one of the darkest moments of the New Testament and the somber tones and dark patina of this figure contribute to the outpouring of grief that it engenders.

Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These religious figures were hand-carved and often furnished with crowns, jewels, and other accessories, usually funded by religious devotees, and were used as icons to explain the major figures - Mary, Christ, and the saints - to new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for Spanish colonists far from home. They became a folk art tradition in the Spanish New World, from modern day Guatemala to as far north as New Mexico and Colorado. Many of them were lovingly cared for over the years, with repairs and paint added as they aged, and played an active part for a long time in the religious life of their communities.



Provenance: private Francis & Lilly Robicsek Collection, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, acquired second half of the 20th century

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#120430

Craquelure and dark patina. With small areas of loss to the paint as shown. One of Mary's hands has been replaced, and the replacement has losses to the fingers. Christ is missing both arms below the elbow.