The Good Death

Brotherhood of Nazarene Congregants of the Most Holy Christ of the Good Death and Our Lady Queen of the Martyrs.

History

Founded in 1944 in the Royal Collegiate Church of San Hipólito by young members of the Marian Congregations, performing its first penitential procession in 1946. Five years later, the Queen of the Martyrs would join the procession.

Temple

Royal Collegiate Church of San Hipólito. A collegiate church founded in the 14th century, although only the presbytery was built at that time. It was not until the early 18th century that it was expanded into a Latin cross layout, giving it its current appearance. Architectural highlights include the interior courtyard and the rear façade, although one must not overlook the intimate atmosphere provided by the chapel where the brotherhood’s titular images reside.

The Titular Images

Most Holy Christ of the Good Death

The image of the Most Holy Christ of the Good Death is the work of Sevillian artist Antonio Castillo Lastrucci, created around 1945, probably the most prolific and renowned sculptor in Seville during the first half of the 20th century.

The carving of the Lord is inspired, as stated in the contract between the brotherhood and the sculptor, by the one made by Juan de Mesa for the professed house of the Society of Jesus in Seville, today the titular image of the Student Brotherhood. This inspiration reflects the founding intention to connect with the early congregations of the Good Death, long supported by the Society of Jesus.

According to the contract, the image of the Lord is made of cedar wood, life-sized, and polychromed with a rustic cross. It features exceptional anatomical treatment, as well as detailed hair and facial features. A face with fine and delicate traits presents itself full of serenity and spirituality. The hair consists of long, wavy locks. Without a crown of thorns or rays, its simplicity is a hallmark of this piece.

It has been restored twice: first by Francisco Peláez del Espino in 1984, showing signs of deterioration such as cracks in the back and the rear of the head. In 1991, it was restored again, this time by Miguel Ángel González Jurado, who had to repair significant damage due to an unfortunate accident.

Our Lady Queen of the Martyrs

The Queen of the Martyrs is also a work by Antonio Castillo Lastrucci, created around 1951.

It is a candelero-style image carved in cedar wood. The brothers requested that the artist make it resemble the Virgin of La Hiniesta of Seville, which Lastrucci himself had made in 1937.

Her face, of great beauty, features very marked traits, such as the chin, with a small dimple, and a furrowed brow. Her slightly parted lips, along with her downcast and sorrowful gaze, reveal an expression of restrained pain and suffering.

Nazarene Habit

Black tunic with train and black face cover, with esparto belt.

Notable Insignias

Guide Cross made of mahogany wood, with silverwork by Jesús Domínguez (1950); senatus, standard, and simpecado, embroidered in gold by Esperanza Elena Caro, the latter featuring an Immaculate Conception by Castillo Lastrucci. Trumpets by Jesús Domínguez and banners by the same Sevillian embroiderer.