Sacred sculptures Rescued, christian captives: a language between symbolism and reality

Abstract

The rescue of captives (including sacred sculptures) and the rise of the brotherhoods called esclavitudes seem apparently different realities. But really both respond to the same religious mentality in the Spain of the Old Regime. First, the rescue of captives is considered a moral duty, serving both the body and the soul. It is celebrated with acts of political and religious triumph, reinforced by the baroque splendor. Moreover, the consecration of “slaves” to Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary is a gesture of sublimed piety. It was very attractive to urban elites, especially in Madrid. Thus, the negativity of bondage/slavery becomes a sign of religious exaltation. Symbolic language plays an essential role in this process.