Christus als Man van Smarten en Maria als Mater Dolorosa. 1652

Pierre Daret created this engraving, Christus als Man van Smarten en Maria als Mater Dolorosa, in 1652. Daret was part of a generation deeply impacted by religious and political conflicts. The print depicts Christ, crowned with thorns, and Mary, his mother, in mourning. The composition invites us to reflect on themes of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption, central to Christian doctrine. The figures are rendered with a blend of classical idealism and baroque emotionalism, characteristic of the art of this period. How do these artistic choices serve to idealize or humanize them? Consider, too, the historical context: France was experiencing religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants. Daret's work can be seen as a reaffirmation of Catholic piety and a powerful expression of faith.