Some religious statuary in Cuenca

 Religious statuary rules in this city.  Here are a few especially intriguing examples.

Cuencanos love John Paul II -- the only pope statuary we have seen here is that of JPII.

This one, in the main big church. 

This is Mary, depicted as a shepherdess. 

Baby Jesus, happier times, on a comfy pink cushion. 

Another nino Jesus. 

Can't remember his name!  Help?  He's bleeding from wounds on his arms and waist. 

Jesus -- on the cross and post-cross -- is depicted here (and in many Latin American countries) as far bloodier, more wounded than typically we see in western churches.  A Cuencana was mentioning to me that this is to generate great compassion through understanding J's deep suffering for mankind, and she thinks it's very effective.  So Jesus is frequently very bruised, with big wounds. 

Gaspar Sangurima, a 19th century Cuencano sculptor, created the two Jesus' above and the holy family above them.  He's known for and took pride in his especially bloody depictions. 

 Jesus' hands and face, above, are blue with bruises.  I don't think I've ever seen such a haunting expression on a Jesus before -- anguished, questioning, troubled, hollow, exhausted.