Spanish school; XVI century.

Spanish school; XVI century.
"Holy face".
Carved wood.
Measurements: 49 x 36 x 10 cm.
This 16th century carved wood sculpture represents a scene of deep spiritual and devotional meaning: the Virgin Mary holding the Holy Shroud, where the Holy Face of Christ can be seen. The figure of Mary, with a serene and solemn expression, is wrapped in a mantle that falls with detailed sculpted folds, reflecting the artist's skill in the treatment of textures and volumes. Her posture, holding the sheet with both hands, suggests reverence and a pious gesture, while her gaze seems to be directed towards the viewer, inviting contemplation of Christ's face.
The Holy Face, which occupies the central part of the composition, presents the suffering features of Christ with the crown of thorns, an unmistakable symbol of his passion. The detail of the hair and beard, as well as the serene but pain-filled expression, demonstrate the sculptor's high degree of technical skill. The contrast between the wide pleated cloak and the precision in the representation of Christ's face emphasizes the sacred and moving character of the work.
The theme of the Holy Face and the Holy Shroud was recurrent in sacred art since the Middle Ages, although it acquired a new relevance, particularly in the Spanish context. During this period, popular devotion and the rise of religious art prompted the creation of sculptures that served as a means of spiritual and liturgical connection.
Sixteenth-century Spanish sculpture, especially in wood, continued the rich heritage of previous centuries, noted for its meticulousness, naturalistic use of material and the emotional charge that the artists managed to convey. The work in question, with its excellent treatment of detail and its symbolic force, is a clear example of Spanish sculptural talent, which knew how to maintain its distinctive character and devotion to religious themes, even in a period of social and artistic change.