Our Lady of Sorrows 2013 Redux

The Feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is on September 15.

This is an old piece that has been reworked...well, almost entirely.


This was tough. I like what I've done here, and simply, I don't think I can work on this anymore. I'm calling it finished; I say that "it works."

There is still a lot that I need to learn, but I'm learning little by little, bit by bit, with each art piece I've been doing, or reworking. I'm ready to move on to a new piece, though, and it was interesting to push my focus and patience to the limit.

Here is the old description; still relevant, mostly. Her appearance has changed...though, I really don't know how. I don't know if I can say she looks older, or younger, in comparison.

This is an older devotion, that has kind of evolved over time; with prayers, petition, and also a chaplet of Seven Dolors.

The Blessed Virgin Mary revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) that seven graces are granted to the souls who honor her daily by saying seven Hail Mary's and meditating on her tears and dolors. The graces are:
I will grant peace to their families.
They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.
I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son, or the sanctification of their souls.
I will defend them in the spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their Mother.
I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal consolation and joy.

The dolors are as follows:
The Prophecy of holy Simeon
The Flight into Egypt
The Loss of Jesus in the temple
The Meeting on the way to Calvary
Jesus' Death
Mary Receives Jesus' Body
Jesus' Burial

There is a lot of information floating around on the internet about the Passionists, and those who live holy, consecrated lives who follow devotions to the Blessed Mother, particularly this devotion and meditation of her seven dolors--that is to say, seven sorrows--and meditating on her three tears to gain indulgences.

I think, though, that love and devotion to Jesus' mother ought to be automatic and heart felt, whether there be indulgences gained, or not. Anyone who honors the mother of God therefore honors the Son, who came from the Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, as Mary is the beloved daughter of the Eternal Father, admirable mother of Son, and faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit.

So remember: honor your Mother.

In any case, what I tried to do here is take old ideas, old pieces of art, painting and sculpture alike, and renew them a bit. I blended the time lines: What Happened over 2000 years ago, and What Is. Here, she is depicted as an aged, weary, and, well, downright shocked and broken hearted mother. I estimate she was around....46 years old? Give or take a couple of years. There's still is a bit of that youth that's shining through, though...

I dirtied her hands a bit, and made sure that the blood still seemed "new" on the nails that were driven through the hands and feet of Christ...to give it that "this is real" reality snap-back.

And yet, there are symbols of grace here: her pure, most Immaculate heart, pierced likewise by seven swords--the greatest one symbolizing the death of her Son. The crown of 12 stars, as she is to appear according to the Book of Revelation; the Queen of All Saints, Angels, and Men, to whom her Son cannot deny anything (see Wedding at Cana).