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The Virgin of Carmen and the Souls of Purgatory with St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah

ca. 1720
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 626
Juan Francisco de Aguilera is considered one of the most influential painters of the second decade of the eighteenth century in New Spain. His ability to capture fleeting effects of light and atmosphere heralded a major stylistic change that would mark the next generation of painters. This small painting on copper, made for individual devotion, depicts the Virgin of Carmen interceding on behalf of souls in purgatory. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, purgatory is the place or or state where departed souls are purified of their sins through punishment before entering heaven. In an apparent gesture of devotion, the artist has inscribed his signature above the shackles of an anguished soul.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Virgin of Carmen and the Souls of Purgatory with St. Joseph and the Prophet Elijah
  • Artist: Juan Francisco de Aguilera (active Mexico, first third 18th century)
  • Date: ca. 1720
  • Geography: Made in Mexico
  • Culture: Mexican
  • Medium: Oil and gold on copper; Frame: ebony, tortoise shell, and silver
  • Dimensions: Image: 13 in. × 9 5/8 in. (33 × 24.5 cm)
    Framed: 17 15/16 × 14 15/16 in. (45.5 × 38 cm)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Nancy Dunn Revocable Trust Gift, 2017
  • Object Number: 2017.234
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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