La Virgen de la Soledad

Images of the suffering Mary, or Mater Dolorosa abound in Christian tradition. The image of the Virgen de la Soledad, depicts Mary's suffering and solitude at the moment of her Divine son's sacrifice. She embodies both human and saintly characteristics and although she appears monumental--her grief is too great to endure. In this Andean rendering the figure of the Mary is presented in utter despair, her hands close to her chest and her head bowed in submission to God's will. Her profound anguish is felt by the weeping floating angels who wipe their tears in lamentation; the kneeling angels rest their eyes on the three spikes used on the cross and the crown of thorns. The entire composition is sober and solemn and would have served to inspire devotion and contemplation especially during Holy Week.