Calvary

Signed by Antonio Moro in 1573, who proudly held the title of King's painter, this canvas had to be made in the Netherlands where the famous artist lived from 1561 and it could have gotten to the convent through a donation from someone related to Phillip II court. It is unique since it is one of the few examples of religious theme made by a painter specialized in portraits. Classical and serene, the scene matches the patterns of that timeless painting of contained emotions and completes correction that was successful in Phillip II's court. The big sized shape cross presides the composition, highlighting its symbolic value using the low point of view to represent the horizon, achieving like that, to increase the surface of the greyish sky that becomes a dramatic curtain, reinforced by the light effects. The rigidity of the crucified Jesus reminds the models coined by the first Flemish. The expressionless stance of Saint John, with open arms and lost stare is opposed by the beautiful representation of Mary who strangely sits at the feet of the cross, and that embraces a calm pain. Beautiful colors and admirable study of the qualities of the clothes.