1193 - Our Lady of Sorrows. Attributed to Pedro de Ávila. Castilian School. 18th Century

Our Lady of Sorrows. Attributed to Pedro de Ávila. Castilian School. 18th Century Carved in polychrome and gilded wood. Measures 58 x 42 x 23 cm. This bust sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary in a profound state of spiritual contemplation, with her hands crossed over her chest and her gaze raised, reflecting an intense, restrained sorrow. The composition concentrates all its expressive power in the modeling of the face, with its delicate features, half-closed eyes, and slightly open mouth—elements designed to convey emotion and devotional fervor. The ample blue mantle envelops the figure, creating a play of dynamic folds that contrasts with the vibrancy of the red tunic, embellished with gilded details. The quality of the carving and the polychromy reflect the models of early 18th-century Castilian Baroque sculpture, linked to the tradition of processional imagery and domestic devotion. The attribution to Pedro de Ávila is consistent with the treatment of the flesh tones, the elegance of the forms, and the emotional intensity of the image. The work is a prominent example of Spanish Baroque devotional sensibility.