Treurende Maria c. 1480 - 1500

This is an engraving of the grieving Virgin Mary, of unknown date and authorship. During this period, the image of Mary held great cultural significance, embodying ideals of motherhood, purity, and sorrow. The artist captures Mary cloaked in heavy fabric, head bowed, her hands clasped in what appears to be supplication or quiet reflection. The deep lines etched into the metal plate create a somber mood, reflecting the historical context of religious devotion. The work invites us to meditate on universal themes of grief and resilience. What does it mean to depict this iconic figure in such a deeply personal moment? How does the artist employ shadow and form to convey emotion and the weight of suffering? Does this resonate with your own experiences?