1655
oil
canvas
From the collection of National Museum of Western Art
Dominant colour
Mater Dolorosa is a 1655 oil by Carlo Dolci, a Early Baroque Italian work, depicting Mary, held at National Museum of Western Art.
This painting features a woman dressed in a blue robe and head covering, with her hands clasped together in front of her. Her eyes are cast downward, and her face is illuminated by a soft, golden light that shines down from above. The woman's attire is rendered in rich, dark blues, while her skin tone is depicted in warm, golden hues. The background of the painting is a deep, dark brown, which serves to heighten the sense of drama and emotion. The artist's use of chiaroscuro and glazing techniques creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the woman's face and hands. To learn more about the artist's use of these techniques, look up the artist "Carlo Dolci".
Carlo (or Carlino) Dolci (25 May 1616 – 17 January 1686) was an Italian Baroque painter active mainly in Florence, known for highly finished religious pictures, often repeated in many versions.
See the richer artist page
