Private collection, Jérez de la Frontera (Cádiz), Spain, since ca. 1850; INBLAN Art, SL, Madrid
The painting "The Virgin of Carmen and the Souls of Purgatory with St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah", created around 1720 by Spanish painter Juan Francisco de Aguilera, represents one of the greatest examples of colonial Mexican religious art. Painted in oil and gold on copper, it stands out for its luminosity and the artist's attention to detail, which he successfully achieve in smaller format. At the center of the composition, Our Lady of Mount Carmel holds the Child Jesus while offering the “scapular”, a symbol of protection and salvation for the souls in the Purgatory. On both sides, more important figures can be seen, which belong to Saint Joseph, easily recognizable by his flowering staff and the prophet Elijah, a key figure in the Carmelite tradition. At the bottom, the souls emerge from the flames with gestures of supplication and hope. Aguilera depicts them with loose, expressive brushstrokes that convey both suffering and the possibility of redemption. The composition combines the drama of the scenes from Purgatory with a message of consolation and divine intercession.
Although little is known about the life of Juan Francisco de Aguilera, it is known that as an artist he worked in New Spain during the early decades of the 18th century. His painting is distinguished by a confident technique and dynamic brushwork, as well as a great ability to create effects of light and atmosphere.
The above painting represents one of the finest examples of realistic style if painting which emerged in Latin America with European colonization, especially in Mexico. This is also reflected in the theme, which shows figures mentioned in the Bible and revered in the Christian tradition. As a piece of art, the painting is an exquisite artwork resulting from a brilliant combination of smooth, flowing brushstrokes, perfect use I light and shade, use of brilliant colours, high level of accuracy in human anatomy and a linear perspective- all rendering the extraordinary excellence to it coming together.
