Spanish school; 17th century.

Spanish school; 17th century.
‘Purísima’.
Carved wood.
It presents faults in the carving and polychromy.
Measurements: 36 x 14 x 11 cm.

Sculpture carved in round, full-length, representing the Virgin Mary in her invocation as the Immaculate Conception. Although in this case it does not have the pedestal with crescent moon and dragon that characterises its iconography, it is likely that it was originally accompanied by it. The Virgin is dressed in a tunic and mantle, both of which are folded with volumetric draperies that give the figure a restrained appearance. It is an image anchored in Baroque aesthetics. The face tends towards idealisation, the fine lips and almond-shaped eyes are softly inscribed in an oval with rounded features. The long hair falls over the shoulders.
Given the importance given to religious images in the Hispanic world, the 17th century saw the creation of ambitious pictorial series and extensive iconographic programmes for churches and convents, as well as printed prints, medals and reliquaries for private devotion. As a whole, regardless of their size or medium, these images fulfilled the aim of sacralising everyday life beyond the altars. The Granada school stood out during this period, receiving and developing the stylistic patterns of the Baroque.