Maria en Johannes de Evangelist c. 1670

Mattheus van Beveren crafted this sculpture of Maria and John the Evangelist in the 17th century. We see Mary, her head covered by a veil, in a gesture of mourning. The veil, here a symbol of modesty and grief, has ancient roots, appearing in Roman depictions of mourning women. This motif transcends time and space; it's a visual echo of ritualistic gestures of sorrow, a fundamental human emotion. This specific depiction of Mary’s grief is particularly poignant. Her downcast eyes and clasped hands aren't just artistic choices. They convey a deep, almost unbearable sorrow. This image is a testament to how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, continually engaging viewers on a subconscious level.