Dolorosa 1929

José Garnelo made this painting, Dolorosa, with oil on canvas, though when exactly is a mystery. The sombre palette, dominated by dark browns and blacks, pierced by flashes of white and yellow, gives the whole scene an intense, almost theatrical feel. The paint seems applied with a kind of urgency, with visible brushstrokes that add texture and depth, drawing the eye in. Look at the way Garnelo renders the fabric of her dress. The thick impasto creates a play of light and shadow. The light from the lantern highlights the folds and creases, accentuating the weight and texture of the material. It's like he's not just painting a dress, but capturing a feeling, a state of mind. It reminds me a bit of El Greco, the way the figures are elongated and emotional. Ultimately, like all good art, Garnelo's painting leaves us with more questions than answers. It invites us to contemplate the complexities of grief, faith, and the human condition.