Circle of Diego Quispe Tito. The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory. Late 17th century. Fig. 1.22, pg. 17.

Visual Elements and Principles of Design

• Line: Line is used to create a sense of movement and dynamism in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted with swirling lines that suggest the heat and intensity of the fire. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are also depicted with flowing lines that create a sense of grace and movement.
• Shape: The painting is dominated by the triangular shape formed by the Virgin Mary and the two angels above her. This triangular shape creates a sense of balance and stability. The flames of purgatory are depicted with organic shapes that suggest the chaotic and unpredictable nature of fire.
• Value: Value is used to create a sense of depth and空間in the painting. The figures in the foreground are depicted in light values, while the flames of purgatory are depicted in dark values. This creates a sense of空間as the eye is drawn from the light figures in the foreground to the dark flames in the background.
• Color: Color is used to create a sense of drama and emotion in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted in bright red and orange colors that suggest heat and danger. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are depicted in light blue and white colors that suggest purity and hope.
• Texture: Texture is used to create a sense of realism in the painting. The flames of purgatory are depicted with a rough, textured surface that suggests the heat and intensity of the fire. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the angels are depicted with a smooth,细腻的表面that suggests their heavenly nature.
• Space: Space is used to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the painting. The figures in the foreground are depicted in a shallow空間, while the flames of purgatory are depicted in a deep空間. This creates a sense of distance between the viewer and the scene.
• Balance: The painting is balanced by the use of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. The figures of the Virgin Mary and the two angels are arranged in a symmetrical composition. The flames of purgatory are arranged in an asymmetrical composition. This creates a sense of both order and chaos in the painting.
• Emphasis: Emphasis is created through the use of light and dark values. The figure of the Virgin Mary is the lightest figure in the painting, and she is therefore the most emphasized figure. The flames of purgatory are the darkest figures in the painting, and they are therefore the most emphasized element in the background.
• Unity: The painting is unified through the use of a limited color palette. The painting is dominated by the colors red, orange, blue, and white. These colors are used throughout the painting to create a sense of unity.

Subject Matter

The subject matter of the painting is the Virgin Mary saving souls from purgatory. Purgatory is a state of purification in which souls are prepared for heaven. The Virgin Mary is depicted as interceding with God on behalf of the souls in purgatory. The angels are depicted as assisting the Virgin Mary in her task.

Meaning

The painting conveys a number of meanings. First, it conveys the belief that the Virgin Mary is a powerful intercessor who can help souls to enter heaven. Second, it conveys the belief that purgatory is a place of purification where souls can prepare for heaven. Third, it conveys the belief that the angels are benevolent beings who assist the Virgin Mary in her work of salvation.

Conclusion

The Circle of Diego Quispe Tito’s The Virgin of Carmel Saving Souls in Purgatory is a powerful and moving work of art that conveys a number of important religious beliefs. The painting is skillfully executed using a variety of visual elements and principles of design. The subject matter of the painting is both specific and universal, and the painting’s meaning is both literal and symbolic.