Sorrow Virgin
Sorrow Virgin
SWXX03
Not For Sale / Contact us for Information
Carved Polychrome Wood Sculpture of the Sorrow Virgin
This polychrome wood statue of the Virgin of Sorrows is from the 17th-19th century. During the 17th and early 18th centuries busts of the Virgin of Sorrows were produced in Spain and spread widely to the rest of the world. They are often life size and placed in churches to produce the maximum emotional intensity from the viewers. This particular carving of the Sorrow Virgin is definitely one of the best in the world which could easily be compared to statues by the Spanish master carvers Pedro De Mena (1628-1688) or Jose de Mora (1642-1724). Her clothes were richly carved in 3 layers. The inside garment tenderly covers her neck. Her pink robe (now polychrome, faded to a beautiful patina) is gathered at the waist by a gilded waist band. The outer cloak is strikingly decorated with gilded flowers, tendrils, and raised border patterns along the hemlines. The technique is called “gesso pastiglia” which originated in Italy and was widely used in the 14th-16th century to decorate altarpieces and paintings. The Virgin’s outer garment is carved in great details, dynamically executed in layers, each one of a different color, yellow on the inside, blue on the outside. The excellent preservation of the polychromy in this sculpture allows us to appreciate the remarkable skill and details as seen here in the variations of the skin tones. The prominent effect is palpable as her tears on the skin below the eye run past the nose and contrasting perfectly with the beautiful pink complexion of her cheek. Remnants of the pathways of her tears are still visible and emphasized the pain of a heart punctured by 7 blades. The glass eyes, inset in the exquisitely carved face appear realistic, displaying pain, delivering tears to the light cheeks. The eyes are shaped and carved intentionally to gaze on the praying devotees below. Of all the statues, this one more than any other still displays an ability to foster devotion and convert the heart.
The origin of this statue is unknown to us. However, from our travels in the remote villages of northern Viet Nam (present day Bui Chu - Phat Diem) this area has been identified as the birth place of Vietnamese Catholicism and still maintains many remnants of Christian missionary works. This statue was crafted in Europe during the missionary period in Europe (1600 - 1900) and then transported to Vietnam. The Sorrow Virgin is 66” (167cm) tall including the 8” (20cm) base.
SWXX03
Not For Sale / Contact us for Information
Carved Polychrome Wood Sculpture of the Sorrow Virgin
This polychrome wood statue of the Virgin of Sorrows is from the 17th-19th century. During the 17th and early 18th centuries busts of the Virgin of Sorrows were produced in Spain and spread widely to the rest of the world. They are often life size and placed in churches to produce the maximum emotional intensity from the viewers. This particular carving of the Sorrow Virgin is definitely one of the best in the world which could easily be compared to statues by the Spanish master carvers Pedro De Mena (1628-1688) or Jose de Mora (1642-1724). Her clothes were richly carved in 3 layers. The inside garment tenderly covers her neck. Her pink robe (now polychrome, faded to a beautiful patina) is gathered at the waist by a gilded waist band. The outer cloak is strikingly decorated with gilded flowers, tendrils, and raised border patterns along the hemlines. The technique is called “gesso pastiglia” which originated in Italy and was widely used in the 14th-16th century to decorate altarpieces and paintings. The Virgin’s outer garment is carved in great details, dynamically executed in layers, each one of a different color, yellow on the inside, blue on the outside. The excellent preservation of the polychromy in this sculpture allows us to appreciate the remarkable skill and details as seen here in the variations of the skin tones. The prominent effect is palpable as her tears on the skin below the eye run past the nose and contrasting perfectly with the beautiful pink complexion of her cheek. Remnants of the pathways of her tears are still visible and emphasized the pain of a heart punctured by 7 blades. The glass eyes, inset in the exquisitely carved face appear realistic, displaying pain, delivering tears to the light cheeks. The eyes are shaped and carved intentionally to gaze on the praying devotees below. Of all the statues, this one more than any other still displays an ability to foster devotion and convert the heart.
The origin of this statue is unknown to us. However, from our travels in the remote villages of northern Viet Nam (present day Bui Chu - Phat Diem) this area has been identified as the birth place of Vietnamese Catholicism and still maintains many remnants of Christian missionary works. This statue was crafted in Europe during the missionary period in Europe (1600 - 1900) and then transported to Vietnam. The Sorrow Virgin is 66” (167cm) tall including the 8” (20cm) base.