Bewening 1850 - 1899

This wood engraving, called Bewening, was made by the Monogrammist AC. We see an intimate and sorrowful scene of the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of Christ. The composition, with its careful arrangement of figures, draws on a long tradition of Christian iconography that shaped religious sentiment and devotion. This image, in its visual codes and cultural references, speaks volumes about the society in which it was produced. The Netherlands, at the time of its creation, was a region deeply shaped by religious and political upheaval. The rise of Protestantism and the struggle for independence from Spanish rule created fertile ground for artistic expression that challenged the established social order. Wood engravings, in particular, played a crucial role in disseminating new ideas. To truly understand the meaning of this artwork, we need to explore the institutional histories, religious conflicts, and social movements of the time. By consulting period sources, theological treatises, and art historical scholarship, we can uncover the complex web of meanings embedded within this image and appreciate its significance within its original context.