The Virgin of Sorrows

This piece is a bust sculpture in polychrome wood representing The Virgin of Sorrows. The figure of this “Dolorosa” presents the head slightly inclined to the right, covered by a white headdress and a blue mantle with undulating folds that frame the face. This allows the viewer to focus on the facial expression of The Virgin. The countenance reflects desolation before the last of the seven Marian sorrows, expressing profound introspection and serenity.

The sculptor employs artificial elements such as glass eyes and resin tears to intensify the realism and emotional impact of the work. The image achieves a notable balance between restrained grief and devotional expression. This evokes the figure of a mother who suffers in silence, characterized by her serene and contemplative atmosphere.

As for authorship, the piece could be attributed to Pedro de Mena or, at least, to some artist from his immediate circle. It is worth recalling that the Granadan sculptor created various versions of half-bust Virgins throughout his artistic career. His contact with the Castilian school led him to modify his models and to execute works endowed with greater naturalism and expressiveness.

Otherwise, this representation may correspond to the one appearing in an inventory documented by Lorenzana Lamelo: 

34. Ytem mando amis monjas Franciscas de Monforte […] nuestra señora de la Soledad que está en una urna en mi alcoba para que la den culto en su iglesia, especialmente en el viernes Santo” (Monforte de Lemos, Archivo del Colegio del Cardenal, L. Dot. T. C. 153r. – 153v.; apud Lorenzana Lamelo, 1986: 119).