Description
In this version of the Sorrowful Mother, the woman in mourning looks heavenward with outstretched hands. She may be wondering, "Why?" You may be looking to the sky for comfort. Whereas a traditional Mater Dolorosa would have seven arrows pierced through her heart, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo eschewed allegorical symbolism in favor of realism in this work: this could almost be a portrait of a real woman, seated in prayer. Simplicity, coupled with excellent drawing, explains why Murillo's devotional paintings were so popular with art buyers of his time.
Unlike many previous painters, who depicted idealized figures with little relation to the Spaniards who saw them, Murillo wanted his figures to be recognizably Spanish and to represent the daily lives of the people, with their joys and sorrows. It has been said that Murillo was particularly interested in painting images showing compassion and charity.
Unlike many previous painters, who depicted idealized figures with little relation to the Spaniards who saw them, Murillo wanted his figures to be recognizably Spanish and to represent the daily lives of the people, with their joys and sorrows. It has been said that Murillo was particularly interested in painting images showing compassion and charity.