Mater Dolorosa
An exquisite processional ‘Mater Dolorosa’ figure in glorious robes
Estimate: PHP 700,000 - 750,000
18th century
Bicol
Molave wood, polychrome and paint, gesso
112 x 35 x 26 cm (44 x 13 3/4 x 10 1/4 in)
This is a superlative depiction of the Virgin Mary as the ‘Mater Dolorosa’ or the Sorrowful Mother. Exquisitely carved in classical style, she exhibits unfeigned hallmarks found in diminishing 18th century specimens. She has strong facial features – swelling ‘pop’ eyes, long pointed nose, and slightly gaping mouth. The beautiful rendition of the crisp folds, deep crevices and texture of her robes, and the protruding clasped hands as she pulls them away from her center, heightens the dynamic movement and energy to her contrapposto pose as she leans to her left. The original blue and red pigmentations are visible through the many layers of overcoat paint over the centuries, with the topmost layers remaining strong and vibrant. Blue and red were the traditional colors of 17th and 18th century Virgin Mary depictions in art produced in Spanish colonies, including Mexico and the Philippines; they’re the same colors favored and followed sympathetically by the Bicol school.
As a processional image, a substantial portion of the back was hollowed out to reduce its overall weight and minimize the movement of the wood as it swells and contracts due to humidity fluctuations that can result in cracks to develop. There are holed-out openings at the base – two in front and two at the back – wherein thick abaca ropes passed through to secure the image to the carozza. Nails on her shoulders, meanwhile, were used to anchor her to the wall to prevent it from toppling over.
Lot 276 of the Salcedo Auctions live and online auction on 8 March 2025. For more information and to place an online bid, please see www.salcedoauctions.com
Mater Dolorosa
An exquisite processional ‘Mater Dolorosa’ figure in glorious robes
Estimate: PHP 700,000 - 750,000
18th century
Bicol
Molave wood, polychrome and paint, gesso
112 x 35 x 26 cm (44 x 13 3/4 x 10 1/4 in)
This is a superlative depiction of the Virgin Mary as the ‘Mater Dolorosa’ or the Sorrowful Mother. Exquisitely carved in classical style, she exhibits unfeigned hallmarks found in diminishing 18th century specimens. She has strong facial features – swelling ‘pop’ eyes, long pointed nose, and slightly gaping mouth. The beautiful rendition of the crisp folds, deep crevices and texture of her robes, and the protruding clasped hands as she pulls them away from her center, heightens the dynamic movement and energy to her contrapposto pose as she leans to her left. The original blue and red pigmentations are visible through the many layers of overcoat paint over the centuries, with the topmost layers remaining strong and vibrant. Blue and red were the traditional colors of 17th and 18th century Virgin Mary depictions in art produced in Spanish colonies, including Mexico and the Philippines; they’re the same colors favored and followed sympathetically by the Bicol school.
As a processional image, a substantial portion of the back was hollowed out to reduce its overall weight and minimize the movement of the wood as it swells and contracts due to humidity fluctuations that can result in cracks to develop. There are holed-out openings at the base – two in front and two at the back – wherein thick abaca ropes passed through to secure the image to the carozza. Nails on her shoulders, meanwhile, were used to anchor her to the wall to prevent it from toppling over.
Lot 276 of the Salcedo Auctions live and online auction on 8 March 2025. For more information and to place an online bid, please see www.salcedoauctions.com