01 2022
Virgen de la Defensa
Familia Fuentes, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Size: Extra Large
Year: 2022
Materials:
Veil/Mantle: Spanish mantilla.
Crown: Crown from New Mexico with Swarovski crystals.
Halo: Mexican brass halo adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Crucifix/Rosary: Antique imitation ivory crucifix worn beneath the guimpe.
Earrings/Belt: Mexican filigree earrings.
Belt: made from Susana's vintage book link bracelet composed of multicolored cabochon stones, paired with a religious stole and an antique filigree necklace.
Dress: Antique religious chasuble embroidered with goldstone, and a cape lined with satin-finished cotton from an antique chasuble, featuring Alençon lace, pearl embroidery, and 1920s metallic flower appliqués.
Label text:
This Madonna is a representation of the Virgen de la Defensa, patron virgin of Jalisco. Among the materials that compose the sculpture, the Madonna is covered in a draped traditional Spanish mantilla. She is graced with a crown from New Mexico adorned with Swarovski crystals and with a Mexican brass halo, also embellished with Swarovski crystals. Beneath her guimpe lies an antique imitation ivory crucifix, a hidden symbol of faith. The Madonna wears intricate Mexican filigree earrings, and her waist is cinched with a unique belt crafted from Susana’s vintage book link bracelet featuring multicolored cabochon stones. This belt is harmoniously paired with a religious stole and an antique filigree necklace, creating a blend of personal history and sacred symbolism. Her dress is a stunning antique religious chasuble, meticulously embroidered with goldstone, and complemented by a cape lined with satin-finished cotton from another antique chasuble. The ensemble is further enhanced with Alençon lace, pearl embroidery, and metallic flower appliques from the 1920s. Susana Ramos expertly weaves together diverse elements of different time periods crafting family relics that evoke a long tradition of family devotion.
