SALVADOR CARMONA, Luis
(b. 1708, Nava del Rey, Valladolid, d. 1767, Madrid)

Holy Shepherdess

1750s
Polychrome wood and silver, height 90 cm
Capuchin convent, Nava del Rey

Traditionally crafted, and retaining some of the realistic tendencies of the past, what might be seen as a substantially more pleasing art based on Rococo was established from the second third of the eighteenth century in Madrid. Luis Salvador Carmona was the chief representative of the Madrid school whose influence gradually spread into other provinces.

The Holy Shepherdess conveys a new image of the Virgin as co-redeemer: she is a much gentler and more earthly figure than previously depicted, and this is suggested both by her facial expression and by the aristocratic silver accessories with which she is adorned.