Pieta

NamePainting

Maker Quill Pen Santero

CultureHispanic American

Date19th century

Place madeNew Mexico, United States, North America

Mediumwood, gesso, paint

DimensionsOverall: 18 7/8 x 14 3/16 in. (48 x 36 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, bequest of Cady Wells, A9.1954.64 R

Object numberA9.1954.64 R

Collections

Folk Art of New Mexico

DescriptionRectangular board with top cut in wedge shaped center and outer finials. Virgin in black with white negative area across her breast--presumably meant for a shroud--holds doll-sized dead body of Christ with wounds and blood trickles, wearing loincloth. A diagonal white parallelogram at bottom centre may refer to tomb or stone slab lid. At Virgin's left is a black cross with white shroud draped over it like ribbon. At Virgin's r. are the crown of thorns, 3 nails, and, also diagonally, a small ladder, all done in black on the bistre background. A mesh of black wavy lines runs behind figures, possibly an exceptionally aberrant attempt to suggest the very commonly painted tiled floor. In upper finials and arch the same wavy mesh may indicate figured drapery swags. Virgin's halo is large, filled with concentric wavy lines and framed by V-shaped rays and alternating wavy lines.