Standing Figure Holding Cross 1695 - 1705

Pedro Duque Cornejo created this pen and brown ink drawing, "Standing Figure Holding Cross," probably in Spain sometime in the early 18th century. At this time, the Spanish monarchy and the Catholic Church were closely aligned, and art served as a powerful tool for reinforcing religious doctrine and social order. Cornejo, who trained as a sculptor, has used the loose, free lines to give the figure a sense of movement that perhaps embodies religious ecstasy. The cross the figure holds becomes a potent symbol, not only of Christ’s sacrifice but of the Church’s authority and its role in Spanish society. We might ask whether this work offers a subtle critique of the Church’s power, or whether it reinforces the status quo. To fully understand its place within Spanish culture, we might look into the history of religious institutions at the time. By looking at church records, personal letters, or critical essays, we could understand how art was perceived.