132 The painting “Purgatory” of the Mary retable The painting “Purgatory” of the Mary retable The horizontal predella painting (63.5 x 122.5 cm) depicts a purgatory scene that has been common since the Middle Ages: a grim, dark cave filled with fire and embers. The souls in purgatory, depicted here as a group of naked women and men, stretch their arms, hands, and faces up to heaven in search of help and salvation. The so-called “poor souls” are up to their waists in fire, surrounded by flames, glowing logs, and flying sparks (Fig. 203). The iconographic connection between the paintings “Purgatory” 85 and “Our Lady of Carmel” is the scapular that Mary holds in her hand, presenting it to the believer. This is understood to be the badge of election for salvation. Brown small scapulars on the breasts of the figures indicate that they already belong to those who will escape the purgatory. The examination of the painting’s technique and condition could not clarify when and in which context the painting had been painted. Format and subject suggest that the painting has always held the function of a predella piece. Although the condition of the painting suggests it may have originated from a different context, it cannot be ruled out that it was Fig. 203: Mary retable; canvas painting “Purgatory”; condition before treatment
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