Pieta Our Lady Of Seven Sorrows Antique Bolivian Retablo
- Pieta Our Lady Of Seven Sorrows Antique Bolivian Retablo
- An Antique Bolivian Retablo on metal oil painting of Our Lady Of Sorrows.
- The plaque is hand painted with the image of Holy Mother over the body of Jesus Christ.
- An original early 20th century Mexican folk retablo depecting “Our Lady of Sorrows”. Seven Daggers pierce the Grieving Virgin Mary’s Heart referencing Luke 2:35.
- The Seven Sorrows or “Dolors” are particular events in the Life of Mary that caused Excessive Sorrow in Her Immaculate Heart, Sorrows in which She was especially united to Jesus.
The First Sorrow
The Prophecy of Simeon: According to the Biblical Account, the Holy Spirit visited Simeon and revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Christ of God
Reading: Luke 2:25-35.
When Mary and Joseph present the Infant Jesus in the Temple, Simeon predicts that a “Sword” (of Sorrow) will pierce Mary’s Soul.
The Second Sorrow
The Flight into Egypt
Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the Infant Jesus.
The Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the Child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the Temple.
The Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the Cross
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.
As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to Crucifixion, He meets His Mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and Her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own Cross up the hill of His Crucifixion.
The Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the Foot of the Cross
Reading: John 19: 25-30.
Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to Him as He cries “I thirst.” She hears Him promise Heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, “Behold your Mother,” charge us to look on Mary as our Mother.
The Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the Body of Jesus
Reading: Psalm 130.
Jesus is taken down from the Cross and His body is placed in Mary’s arms. The Passion and Death are over, but for His Mother, grief continues. She holds His body in Her arms.
The Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the Burial of Jesus
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.
The Body of Jesus is laid in the Tomb. The most tragic day in History ends, Mary Alone in Sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection. - The devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary helps us to meditate on the events in Our Lady’s life when she lovingly and willingly united herself to her Son’s sacrifice on the Cross and shared in His self-giving for our redemption.
- Milagros or Ex Voto are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings in Mexico, the southern United States, other areas of Latin America, and parts of the Iberian peninsula. Antiques And Collectibles, Religious And Spiritual Objects For Collectors.
- Measurements: 10 1/2 x 7 5/8 in. All measurements are approximate
- Condition:Overall good antique condition. Signs of long use and devotional wear and age.
- HISTORY
Retablos, better known as ‘laminas’ in Mexico, are small oil paintings on tin, wood and sometimes copper which were used in home altars to venerate the almost infinite number of Catholic saints. The literal translation for ‘retablo’ is ‘behind the altar.’ This unique genre of art, deeply rooted in European history, was brought to Mexico with the arrival of the Spanish and then ultimately adopted by New World mestizo natives to become what is known today as the Mexican folk retablo. - The retablo was an art form that flourished in post conquest Mexico and then ultimately, with the introduction of inexpensive mediums such as tin, reached its pinnacle of popularity in the last quarter of the 19th century. With some exceptions, mostly untrained artists from the provinces worked to produce and reproduce these sacred images; some subjects painted more prolifically than others. A typical “retablero” may have reproduced the same image hundreds, if not thousands of times in his or her career.
- These oil paintings were sold to devout believers who displayed them in home altars to honor their patron saints. There are virtually hundreds of saints, each invoked to remedy a different situation. “San Ysidro Labrador,” the patron saint of farmers, is venerated for good weather, agricultural issues and prosperous crop. He is often called upon before picnics or just before harvest. Having spent four years in the forest as a hermit, San Jeronimo, the patron saint of scholars and philosophers, is invoked for protection against temptations and want.
- Bearing some semblance to retablos, ‘ex-votos’ are devotional paintings on canvas or tin which offer thanks to a particular saint in the form of a short narrative. In many events, a small child becomes ill, a soldier returns safely from war, or a favorite animal is reunited with its owner. The petitioner, grateful for this miracle, dedicated a small painting (with a short testimonial) to the respective patron Saint.
- These unique art forms are a hybrid of centuries old Catholic iconography and indigenous artistry; reflecting the historical, cultural and religious links between “Old” and “New” worlds.
