La Mariology in some of the keystone pieces of the interior of the Basilica Cathedral of Zacatecas

Abstract

This research develops a theoretical framework coupled with field work and is centralized in five keystones pieces or voussoirs, all located in the vaults of the arches; high relief sculptures finely carved in quarry, located in the south nave of the Cathedral Basilica of Zacatecas dedicated to the Virgin Mary´s Assent. It contributes: to the rescue, dissemination and protection of the cathedral's interior heritage and some unknown Marian symbols. Introduction: the present constitutes a visual analysis of each one of the keystones or segments that represent a Virgen Mary episode, traditions, beliefs and legends. Testimonial documents on the subject serve as a backbone in which the present study is carried out. These testimonial documents make possible generate unpublished contributions in the field of research, which in turn makes feasible the appraisal of the keystone pieces of the cathedral, providing foundations for the creation of proposals. Methodology: Art History arduous observation, a deductive and inductive analysis and a reflection of the own experience were carried out. General objective: The main interest is that these sculptural works of sacred art are known, which have not been published in as much detail as this study presents. Specific objective: Incorporated into the previous one, to understand and value the mestizo art of the interior of the cathedral. Results and discussion: after extensive reflection and discussion of the description of the key pieces, two different sculptures stand out: the European and the mestizo; these keystone pieces have their own plastic language where biblical passages are combined with myths. Conclusion: It culminates with the discovery of the Milk Thistle, according to a medieval legend of the Virgin Mary. According to the hypothesis previously raised by the authors, that the Milk Thistle would be found several times sculpted on the main portal of the cathedral and inside it. It should be noted that no bibliography of this topic was found, where the Milk Thistle is mentioned on the main cover, so this research is relevant to Art History.