Pietà of Canon Luis Desplá (detail) 1490

Bartolomé Bermejo painted this Pietà, of uncertain date, during a period of immense social and religious upheaval in Spain. This period was defined by the Spanish Inquisition and the persecution of religious minorities. As you gaze upon it, consider how the emotional intensity of the scene—the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ, Canon Luis Desplá’s solemn observance—resonates with the religious fervor of the time. The meticulous detail, typical of Bermejo's style, invites a close examination of the textures and expressions, which serve to deepen the emotional impact. The inclusion of Canon Desplá, the commissioner of the work, situates the painting within the complex dynamics of patronage and power, reflecting his personal piety and social standing. This Pietà serves not only as a devotional image but also as a reflection of the tumultuous intersection of faith, identity, and societal control. The grief-stricken faces and the realistic portrayal of Christ's suffering body invite us to reflect on the human cost of religious conviction.