Attributed to JUAN SIMÓN GUTIÉRREZ (Medina Sidonia, Cádiz, 1643 – 1718).
"Christ on the cross and Mary Magdalene."
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 90 x 65 cm.; 96 x 71 cm. (frame).
The lifeless body of Christ occupies the compositional center of this devotional painting attributed to Juan Simón Gutiérrez. The soft features of Mary Magdalene kneeling next to the cross and the cottony lines that outline the figures refer to the teaching of Murillo, which Juan Simón inherited and adapted to his own style. The city of Jerusalem is outlined under the light of a moon whose eclipse symbolizes the cosmic blackout that accompanies the death of Jesus. The broad brushstroke develops into delicate strokes that model gestures and figures, transmitting the mystical feeling of the biblical scene.
Although born in Cádiz, Juan Simón Gutiérrez would have trained in Seville, perhaps with Murillo himself, as Ceán Bermúdez and Fernando Quiles consider. In any case, in 1664 he was already active independently, since on this date he is documented as a participant in the Sevillian Academy, of which he would be a part until 1672. His life was hard, despite the recognition of his contemporaries, and went through significant economic difficulties, at a time when poverty was common among the Sevillian population, as a result of both the recession in trade with the colonies and the War of Succession and various epidemics. Regarding his language, Gutiérrez was a faithful follower of Murillo, whom he undoubtedly had the opportunity to know, both through the Academy and the brotherhood of San Lucas, his own guild. The quality of his work earned him the respect and recognition of other Sevillian masters, and in fact in 1680 he obtained the position of “alcalde alamir” of painting, that is, in charge of the examination of master's candidates. His category also guaranteed him an important workshop, where, among others, Francisco Díaz and Tomás Martínez were trained. Likewise, Ceán Bermúdez points out that he was an appreciated “fairground painter”, which indicates that his works were in high demand in the Sevillian market, from which paintings were sent to all of Andalusia and also to America. Gutiérrez mainly created works with religious themes, the most in demand at the time, although he also addressed secular motifs, such as battles and scenes of customs, and even made three small canvases on the “History of Constantine.” His works are currently preserved in religious centers such as the convent of La Trinidad in Carmona or the main church of Santa María la Coronada in Medina Sidonia, as well as in the Museum of Fine Arts in Seville and the Museum of Los Angeles, in the United States.