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Sculpture of the Patroness of Granada, Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows), housed in the altarpiece of the Basilica de las Angustias

Unknown

1850

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Sculpture of the Patroness of Granada, Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows), housed in the altarpiece of the Basilica de las Angustias is a 1850 photographic by Unknown, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1850
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This photo shows a small wooden sculpture of a grieving Virgin Mary. She sits in a chair, her face twisted in sorrow, hands clasped tight. The sculptor carved deep folds in her robe and shadows under her eyes. The piece sits inside a grand basilica in Granada, Spain. It’s part of a larger altarpiece, but this close-up makes the emotion feel personal. The photo itself once belonged to John Singer Sargent, the famous portrait painter. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum if you want to see more of his collection.

The story of this work

Overview

The photograph depicts a sculpture of Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (Our Lady of Sorrows), the Patroness of Granada, positioned within the altarpiece of the Basilica de las Angustias. Part of a collection of 611 photographs once owned by John Singer Sargent, the image reflects his extensive travels and interest in religious art and architecture across multiple countries. The sculpture is one of many Spanish religious works Sargent admired, particularly those he encountered during his visits to Granada and other Spanish cities. The photograph was later donated to a museum, where it was…

Read the full account in the museum source.