Our Lady of Sorows with St Francis by Cabrera
"Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Francis of Assisi" by Miguel Cabrera (1695–1768), a prominent Mexican Baroque painter. Oil on canvas (oval format). This diptych-style composition features two devotional portraits painted in Cabrera's signature refined and emotive Baroque style.
Left Panel – Saint Francis of Assisi: Saint Francis is depicted in deep contemplation, clad in his traditional brown habit, the coarse texture of which is rendered with remarkable realism. His hands are clasped in prayer, resting on a skull and a book—symbols of mortality and devotion. He gazes tenderly at a crucifix, which stands before him, symbolizing his intense spiritual communion with Christ and his imitation of Christ’s suffering. The somber lighting and the saint’s expressive eyes evoke a profound sense of piety and introspection.
Right Panel – Our Lady of Sorrows: The Virgin Mary is portrayed as Our Lady of Sorrows, her head bowed gently and her eyes downcast in sorrowful resignation. Draped in a deep blue mantle over a lighter robe, she cradles her hands across her chest. A sword pierces her heart—a symbolic representation of the prophecy of Simeon and the sorrows she endured during the Passion of Christ. Cabrera captures her serene, melancholic beauty with delicate brushwork and soft modeling, emphasizing her inner strength and maternal compassion.
These works reflect Miguel Cabrera’s mastery of religious iconography, emotional expressiveness, and his pivotal role in the development of New Spanish colonial art. The paintings are not only devotional images but also serve as a reflection of the intense spiritual culture of 18th-century New Spain.
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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