The Matrix Brotherhood of the Virgen del Rocío presented the new silver shards for the Blessed Virginan initiative born in 2019 from the hand of Manuel Díaz and Fran Cabrera, with the desire to enrich their trousseau. For them, it is … They added new attributes through donations. The project had to respect the physiognomy of traditional hammer blows and preserve the iconographic imprint characteristic of the image.
From the start, it was decided that the only means of financing would be popular rating. After obtaining approval from the Brotherhood, preliminary work began.
At the end of 2023, the first models were presented, made by Chesco Fernándezfollowing the ideas, proposals and under the direction of Fran Cabrera and Manuel Díaz. Once the sketch was transferred to paper and approved by the Board of Directors of the Parental Brotherhood, in January 2024, a working commission was formed, composed of Pepi Pérez, Pilar Arangüete, Chesco Fernández, Susana Rojas, Rocío Cruz, Fran Cabrera and Manuel Díaz.
The first task of this commission was to request budgets from different goldsmiths, to finally be selected. Goldsmith of Sanlúcar. Subsequently, the donation campaign began to finance the project, whose excellent reception allowed the execution of the explosions to begin.
The design of the parts represents the Woman Clothed with the Sun of the Apocalypse, through a silver mesh background which evokes the ancient shards of lace. In said mesh 127 nodes are integrated, alluding to the 127 subsidiary brotherhoods. Likewise, various praises dedicated to the Virgin were inscribed on the cartridges.
Along with the cost of the salvos, donations were added for other attributes of the image, among which stand out:
Crown of the Virgin: This sum was supported by the Morales Jaworska family and his parents, Andrés and Rosa. Classic in style, it is inspired by the Coronation crown and executed in silver, with golden stars and cross, enriched with topaz, golden shields and a torch-shaped center with the flame of Pentecost.
Crown of the Divine Little Shepherd: sponsored by the Mother Brotherhood, in sterling silver and surmounted on the imperial by an ivory ball with a cross that reproduces that of the Almonte simpecado.
Child’s Scepter: sponsored by the Peláez-Poyatos family, in sterling silver and with decorative elements inspired by gusts.
Half moon: sponsored by the Ojeda-Escobar family, in sterling silver, with gold stars enriched with topaz and a central cartouche that represents the establishment of the Holy Rosary.
Orb: paid for by the Muñoz-Merino family, executed in sterling silver; The meridians, in gilded silver, support the radiance of the sun, topped with a cross which reproduces that of the Almonte simpecado.
Scepter of the Virgin: Its financing was achieved thanks to anonymous donations, following the aesthetic line of the entire goldsmith’s work. It is surmounted by a globe, with the ocean in blue enamel, the continents in silver and the meridians and brilliants in gilded silver.
The working committee expressed its gratitude to Chesco Fernández and Orfebrería Sanlúcar for their ability to faithfully capture and execute the ideas raised; to the chambermaid sisters and José Manuel Vega for their collaboration; Already the Matrix Brotherhood for the trust placed in the project.
Finally, we would like to highlight and thank the generosity of all the dedicated donors, whose collaboration allowed this initiative to come to fruition and to remain a testimony of devotion to the Blessed Virgin.
About The Author
