Art is measured by the value and quality of the work, beyond the fusion for which it was created. Thus, we can find historical art that speaks of political eras, battles, wars, and societies. But religions have also been an important part of history, and many of them have been imbued with very valuable art. I am not a practicing religious person; I believe in the creative source of the world, but I value the art that existed and exists in those manifestations.
Many of the works of the Catholic Church were probably commissioned for a specific purpose, while others were painted by various artists on ceilings, walls, and columns, or were sculptures, decorations, details, posters, and much more. I value art as art itself, without adding anything else.
This year, 2025, marks a very important anniversary for the patron saint of the city, the Virgin of Victory, and for this reason, a very special art exhibition was held. The works of art that I bring you today are the ones that impressed me the most, both for their execution and for the materials used, and therefore for their high value.
I also bring you some details on display which, although they may not have great economic value, have high historical content and were important in different periods. 150 years of celebration is no small feat, and many of these items are impressive, at least to me, especially the silver art and the textile art embroidered in gold thread.
Some of the works belong to private collections and have been donated to the city's municipal archive for this celebration.
In this case, this work depicting the Virgin of Victory, from 1880, is made of silver-plated nickel silver, and I think it is very beautiful.
There was a lot of art like this banner, embroidered in gold thread, which is done by hand, according to my friend who is a dressmaker. I admire the details, the symmetry, and the good taste in its execution. It also has oil painting, metal plates, and mirrors. The textile backing is velvet.
As I mentioned, there are some historical items, such as this receipt for the expenses of the Novena - 1918.
One of the works and sculptures that I liked the most is made of silver and polychrome ivory. The two materials combine perfectly, and it is a work with details that I admire. A beautiful piece of goldsmithing.
There were also other types of sculptures that did not belong to the Virgin, but were equally beautiful. In this case, they are the martyr saints Ciriarco and Paula, patrons of the city. This work is made of gilded, upholstered, and polychrome wood.
The two rooms where the exhibition was held were very well cared for and guarded, and no wonder.
In different display cases, all very well maintained, I could see other textile artworks, many with gold, silver, and silk embroidery, with velvet backing, as well as other items that accompanied them. The reflections on the glass made it difficult to take photographs, but I was able to bring you these so you can see the wonder of this art.
In this case, it is a poster painted in 2024 to commemorate the anniversary, made using mixed media.
I was also able to see various oil paintings. Everything was of the highest quality, steeped in history and culture.
In the next room, there were also wonderful works such as this altar frontal made of colored silks on an embroidered silk and brocade textile backing dating from 1760.
Two crowns of gold, platinum, pearls, precious stones, and enamel were in the center of the room. One belonged to the Virgin Mary and the other to the baby Jesus. It was impressive.
This work is called Media Luna (Half Moon) and is made of gilded silver, silver in its natural color, and fine stones. It was another work that shone in the room and amazed me.
I left this last piece for last because it is my favorite, first because I am passionate about ships and second because of all the precious materials, silver is my favorite. It is a replica of the Nao Victoria and is made entirely of silver.
I have never had to struggle so much with reflections as with this piece, as I was reflected in it no matter what. What I did was stand to one side and stretch out my arm with my phone to take the photos. From the incredible number I took, I chose these ones to show you the amount of detail this ship contains. I loved it.
It was a very unique but beautiful art exhibition that I enjoyed very much. Thank you for joining me today, and I wish you a very happy Sunday. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
