Mexico, 19th c. Poignant retablo with rendering of Mater Dolorosa (as written at the bottom of composition) 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, a dagger in her breast - the key, distinguishing attribute of Mater Dolorosa, with Christ's crown of thorns in the foreground. 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. The artist's technique makes for a smooth rendering of the figure with an almost porcelain-like finish to her skin that symbolizes her purity. This example is particularly appealing in that the dramatic rendering of Mary is further accentuated by the golden rays and stars surrounding her visage. 10.00"W x 14.00"H (25.40 W x 35.56 H cm)

Provenance: Ex-Ramon Kelly collection, Denver.

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Holes pierced at periphery of retablo for mounting. Surface wear and shown. Else intact and good condition.