Mater Dolorosa (The Virgin Mary Mourning)

About this artwork

This sculpture was originally part of a project for a Calvary depicting Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary, and Christ on the Cross; Monfreid may or may not have completed the design. He intended to execute the piece in ceramic, as suggested by the Mater Dolorosa's shadowy browns, blues, and purples that resemble ceramic glazes. The intensity of the unrealistic colors, as well as the emotional nature of the religious subject, characterizes this rare example of Nabis sculpture. Led by Paul Gauguin, ...