Spanish Colonial, Mexico, ca. 1750 CE. A large painting on a heavy gauge copper sheet, tenderly representing a 3/4 view of the Virgin Mary dressed in her traditional flowing blue and white robes and composed as Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa in Latin) clasping her hands together in a prayerful gesture as she contemplates the Crucifixion and looks out from the canvas with a pensive gaze, light seeming to radiate from her glowing skin. As is customary for Mater Dolorosa imagery, a sword (in this case an attached silver hilt) pierces the Virgin Mary's heart, a reference to Luke 2:35: "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.' "Surrounding the Mother of God's visage are seven white metal star adornments arranged in an arch suggestive of a halo. Size: 22.125" L x 16.625" W (56.2 cm x 42.2 cm)

One of the most important compositions in which Mary is depicted without Christ, poignantly represented as the mourning mother with tears running down her cheeks projecting a grieving attitude, this painting is of a generous scale and was clearly created by 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 design incorporating metalwork to elaborate the theme. A wondrous rendition!

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA collection

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#124432

Perforations through ear, probably for attaching an earring at one point. Slight bending and surface wear with minor pigment losses and areas of oxidation, overall excellent.