Tabernakeldeur met voorstelling van Maria als moeder van smarten 1616

This tabernacle door, depicting Mary as the Mother of Sorrows, was crafted by Adriaen van Ammelroi. It's made from brass, which has been skillfully chased to create a high-relief scene. The choice of brass is significant. It wasn't just a readily available material; it was associated with skilled craftsmanship, and had a reflective, light-catching surface. The process of chasing, where the artist meticulously hammers the metal from the reverse to create a raised design, speaks to the labor involved in its creation. Notice how the material itself influences the final appearance. The brass gives the piece a warm, golden hue, and the texture achieved through chasing adds depth and complexity. Van Ammelroi engaged with traditions of metalworking, elevating it to the realm of fine art, blurring the lines between craft and sculpture. The work involved in this production speaks to a time when skilled handcraft was highly valued. Understanding this piece means considering the material, the making process, and the cultural context in which it was created. It challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft.