Weeping Virgin saved in public appeal

A realistic painted wood bust of the Mater Dolorosa (Virgin of Sorrows) by Pedro de Mena (1628-1688) with glass eyes and teardrops and eyelashes made from human hair has been saved for the nation through a public appeal. The work has been on show at the Fitzwilliam Museum since the end of July whilst the institution raised funds to acquire it. The acquisition had been supported with £30,000 from the Art Fund and £10,000 from The Henry Moore Foundation, but £85,000 was still needed through the public appeal.

The Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Tim Knox commented: "Thanks to a last-minute rush in donations, and a number of extremely generous donors who promised to make up the shortfall, we proudly announce that we have successfully raised the money needed to secure Pedro de Mena's Virgin of Sorrows for the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. This has been right to the wire, and every single penny has counted. Our sincere thanks go out to all who donated towards the appeal - you have helped secure an important and beautiful work of art for the nation. We hope that visitors to the Fitzwilliam will enjoy seeing the Virgin of Sorrows for years to come."

3 October 2014