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an image of a painting of a man laying on the ground next to a womana painting of a man laying on the ground with blood on his bodyan old painting of a man washing a horse in a stablea painting of a man on the ground with a knifea dog that is laying down in front of a paintingan old picture frame with a piece of wood on top of it
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30 - Novo Hispanic School. Mexico. 18th century.

Estimate €2,500 - €4,000
Sale commission
Description
Novo Hispanic School. Mexico. 18th century. “The Divine Prisoner, Scourged and Mocked” Oil on canvas. 29 x 32 cm. This painting represents one of the many expressions of Mexican Viceregal art, with its powerful and highly effective depiction of the scourged Christ, a subject whose popularity within popular devotion often approaches the boundary between the sacred and the profane. Within the realm of popular religious art, Christ—mocked, humiliated and abused by his tormentors—is frequently portrayed with an abundance of blood, intended to be visually “effective”: to move the faithful deeply, and through the excess of suffering endured, to provoke compassion, indignation and spiritual reflection. The present work embodies the aesthetic and devotional values that gave rise to the celebrated Bleeding Christs of the Viceregal period, images that were widely venerated throughout the churches of New Spain and which remain remarkable for the powerful emotional response they inspired—and continue to inspire—within popular religious culture. Originally intended for both public and domestic devotion, works of this kind today occupy a fascinating position between the sacred and the secular, between religious worship and collecting, between sanctuaries and museums, between churches and private collections. The artist followed the principles governing sacred imagery established by the Council of Trent, according to which religious images should “not only instruct the faithful in the articles of faith, but also inspire gratitude for the miracle of Christ’s sacrifice.” This painting fulfils that purpose with remarkable effectiveness. The profusion of blood and the vivid representation of suffering are designed to stir the emotions and engage the senses, allowing the image to penetrate directly into the spiritual experience of the viewer. Modern religious imagery often seeks a different effect. Rather than emphasizing bloodshed through dramatic realism, contemporary representations tend to restrain its presence, concentrating instead on the serene dignity of Christ’s sacrifice. In such images, redemption is conveyed through contemplation and spiritual reflection rather than through the visceral impact of physical suffering. This Viceregal painting belongs to a different devotional world: one in which emotion, empathy and dramatic realism were considered essential instruments for bringing the faithful closer to the mystery of Christ’s Passion.
About the sale Dialogues with the Past: Vestigia
Auction location
Auction time 07/02/2026 at 7:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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