The Representation of Purgatory in a Colonial Painting from Latin America
The Representation of Purgatory in a Colonial Painting from Latin America
Files
Publication or External Link
Date
1990
Authors
Vásquez, Rafael Alas
Advisor
Citation
DRUM DOI
Abstract
The representation of purgatory in painting was very
popular after the Council of Trent. While Protestant
denied the existence of purgatory, the Catholic Church,
with the help of religious orders and brotherhoods,
fostered the devotion to the suffering souls. During
the colonial period in Latin America, this devotion
gained a unique importance. This fact is reflected in
the numerous paintings representing purgatory that are
displayed in cathedrals and churches.
The purpose of this thesis is to study the
iconography of one of these paintings representing
purgatory. The chosen painting presents different
figures of souls among the flames. The Virgin del
Carmen is represented holding one soul, while the
figures of St. Peter and St. Michael are looking toward
heaven. A Crucifix and the Holy Ghost appear above the
figure of the Virgin.
The representation in purgatory of a bishop, a nun
and a Black man, besides the depiction of souls at
different ages show the Catholic belief that every
sinner has to pass through purgatory. Two unusual
motifs are the depiction of st. Peter in purgatory and
the representation of the Virgin pulling a soul from
the flames. The painting reflects the concept of
purgatory that the Catholic Church spread after the
Council of Trent. The effectiveness of masses to help
the souls, symbolized by the depiction of Christ on the
Cross, and the intervention of Mary to release souls
from purgatory are two important messages that this
painting is presenting to the worshiper.