Pedro de Mena
A New Pair Of Busts Ecce Homo and Dolorosa, 17th century
Partially-gilt polychrome wood
Ecce Homo: 31 x 24 x 15 cm
Dolorosa: 31 x 24 x 15 cm
Dolorosa: 31 x 24 x 15 cm
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Artworks
Pedro de Mena
Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, Circa 1665Parcel-gilt and polychrome woodHeight: 84 cmFurther images
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This refined image of the Virgin, formerly in the Olmedilla family collection. Trained in Granada under Alonso Cano, Mena absorbed his master’s innovative model of the Immaculate Conception—characterized by a slender, vertical composition and a youthful Virgin poised upon clouds and a crescent moon. Here, Mena refines that prototype with his own distinctive touch: an almond-shaped face, delicately arched brows, flowing “wet” locks of hair, and porcelain-smooth flesh achieved through meticulous finishing. The Virgin’s serene, upright gaze and restrained gesture convey both majesty and contemplative grace, affirming her role as Queen of Heaven. Balancing mystical elevation with tender naturalism, this sculpture exemplifies Mena’s mature style and the devotional intensity that made him one of the leading sculptors of Baroque Spain.
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