Can art be too real? The visceral intensity of Spanish polychrome sculpture
In short: Explore the hauntingly lifelike works of Pedro de Mena, a Spanish master whose 17th-century sculptures of Jesus and Mary push the boundaries of realism through painted wood.
In this MetCollects feature, Luke Syson examines the works of Pedro de Mena (1628–1688), specifically his 'Ecce Homo' and 'Mater Dolorosa' created around 1674–85. These pieces are crafted from partial-gilt polychrome wood, a technique that lends them a startlingly human quality.
The video provides context on these recent acquisitions to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, highlighting how such intense, realistic religious imagery was designed to engage the viewer.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Pedro de Mena's Polychrome Sculptures of Jesus and Mary | MetCollects
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