Latin America, Mexico, 19th century. Hand-painted on heavy gauge tin, a touching retablo of Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa in Latin) - set in a wooden frame. 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, which is the distinguishing attribute of Mater Dolorosa. Before her is the Crown of Thorns and a couple of nails to represent the Crucifixion. Size of retablo: 12.5" L x 9.5" W (31.8 cm x 24.1 cm) Size of frame: 15.125" L x 12.25" W (38.4 cm x 31.1 cm)

As is customary for Mater Dolorosa imagery, a sword 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.'"

Provenance: ex-Leonard Auctions

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#162699

Expected age wear to retablo with some indentations, scuffs, and stains as shown. Frame has inactive insect holes/losses and losses to peripheries and square facing of lower left corner. Missing a few nails that attached the retablo to the frame, but enough have survived so that retablo is still securely held within frame. Suspension hook at top center is a bit bent but is still attached.