Latin America, Mexico, ca. 1850 CE. An antique retablo skillfully painted in oil on tin 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. Behind the Virgin is a column with the visage of Christ topped by a rooster. This iconography is derived from Early Christian art in which the rooster is frequently associated with St. Peter in the scene in which Christ announces that his disciple will deny him three times before the cock crows. 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 design and significant detailing. A wondrous rendition! Size: 14" L x 10" W (35.6 cm x 25.4 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: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124602

Some bending, tiny losses to edges, and surface wear with minor pigment loss as shown. A perforation at top center. Overall very good.