Mater Dolorosa c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Robert Trossin's "Mater Dolorosa". It's really striking how she's looking up, and the lighting creates a sense of sorrow and reverence. What can you tell me about how the public would have perceived this image? Curator: This piece taps into a long history of representing Mary's suffering, specifically targeting devotional practices. How do you think the mass production of such images affected personal worship? Editor: I guess making it more accessible also changed its impact. It's not a unique, hand-painted icon, but a widely distributed print. Curator: Exactly. Its impact shifts from the unique object to a shared cultural experience. Did this image reinforce existing social hierarchies or challenge them, through its accessibility? Editor: That's a great question, something to consider when looking at similar works. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely. The politics of imagery are always at play.