Catalan school; second half of the 17th century.

Catalan school; second half of the seventeenth century.
"Virgin of Montserrat".
Oil on copper.
It presents faults and restorations.
Measurements: 29,5 x 38,5 cm.
In this image we see the Virgin of Montserrat on a landscape background identifiable with the mountain of the same name, where the different religious buildings are highlighted. We also see secondary scenes with walkers or herds of animals ascending the rocky mountain. The Virgin is represented in the center of the composition, imposing and majestic, holding in her right hand her main attributes, a sphere that symbolizes the universe and from which emerges a lily with three flowers. According to the chronicler Jeroni Pujades (1568-1635), before and during the 16th century, the Moreneta did not hold anything in her right hand. However, it was at the end of this century when this sphere with lily was added, symbolizing Mary's virginity before, during and after childbirth. On her legs rests the figure of Jesus, also crowned and holding a sphere in his hand. This work follows the model found in the Vicenç Ros Municipal Museum, Martorell, another similar one can be seen in the Montserrat Museum or the one in the Church of Santa Maria del Campo, La Coruña.
The Moreneta or black virgin is the patron saint of Catalonia but has been worshipped since medieval times beyond its geographical borders. Legend has it that the first image of the Virgin of Montserrat was found by some shepherd children in the year 880. After seeing a light in the mountain, the children found the image inside a cave. Upon hearing the news, the bishop of Manresa tried to move the image to this city, but the transfer was impossible because the statue was too heavy. The bishop interpreted this as the Virgin's wish to remain in the place where she had been found and ordered the construction of the hermitage of Santa Maria, the origin of the present monastery.